Branson survives bike crash

Photo: The Canadian Press

Billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson says he thought he was going to die after flying head first off his bicycle in the British Virgin Islands.

The Virgin Group boss hit a hump in the road on Virgin Gorda, one of the islands in the Carribbean, catapulting him into the road. The 66-year-old Branson posted pictures of his bloodied face on social media on Friday, showing the gruesome injuries that included a cracked cheek, torn ligaments and severe cuts.

He said: "My life was literally flashing before my eyes."

Branson said he was lucky that his shoulder and cheek took the brunt of the impact. He said wearing a helmet saved his life.

He added: "My attitude has always been, if you fall flat on your face, at least you're moving forward."