7 AUGUST 2002
Oasis’s Noel Gallagher and Andy Bell escaped serious injury when they were involved in a head-on car crash in the midst of their US tour on Tuesday. The pair were taken to hospital in an ambulance where they were treated for shock, cuts and bruises after the collision in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana.

Noel, Andy and touring keyboardist Jay Darlington – formerly of the psychedelic rock band Kula Shaker – were travelling in a taxi when it was hit by a second vehicle. According to Oasis’s official website, Noel, who was sitting in the front of the car, suffered “heavy facial bruising and seatbelt cuts”. Jay had his hand strapped and had to return to hospital on Wednesday for further treatment. Most of the injuries were caused by airbags and seat belt burns, the website said.

The band were forced to cancel Wednesday’s concert in the city after doctors told the three members they had to rest for 48 hours to let their prescribed medication take effect. It is not known if the accident will affect the rest of the three-week tour.

The band said the Indianapolis gig, at the city’s Murat venue, would be rescheduled for later in the year. “Oasis would like to thank all their fans in Indianapolis for their understanding that the show can’t take place this evening, and assure them that every effort will be made to return soon to play the Murat,” a statement on the website said.