UPDATE: Details on Richard Hammond crash
Sky News is reporting more details on the circumstances surrounding the crash involving Top Gear host Richard Hammond. Apparently Hammond was making an attempt at the British land speed record in the Thule Vampire, a 30-foot Rolls-Royce jet-powered dragster made in Sweden capable of reaching 272 mph in six seconds en route to a theoretical top speed of 370. The crash took place at over 280 mph.
Hammond is being treated at Leeds General Infirmary. According to one of the firefighters on the scene, Hammond was speaking (and therefore presumably conscious) as he was being rescued from the overturned vehicle.
[Source: Sky News via Jalopnik]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Thomas 5:57PM (9/20/2006)
Oh my! A crash at 280 mph?!! Hang in there Hamster...
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doglet 1:29AM (9/21/2006)
get well hampster, keep those teeth white
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Homer 6:07PM (9/20/2006)
I've got Sky News right now...
Apparently they are reporting that the parachute had deployed before the accident took place and that he either broke or came close to breaking the Brit Land Speed record before "something went wrong..." Gotta love the brits
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Homer 6:18PM (9/20/2006)
He's still in intensive care, but has been upgraded to "Stable" condition.
They are reporting that he was doing up to 300 mph when he crashed
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DPC car videos 6:24PM (9/20/2006)
Hope he makes it, Top Gear is one of favorite car show of all time.
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Thomas 2:37AM (9/21/2006)
I'm so shocked! Hang in there hamster.
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ElizaF 6:36PM (9/20/2006)
The poor sod. He has a young family as well.
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Dave 6:37PM (9/20/2006)
The most recent update according to the BBC is as follows :
Top Gear's Richard Hammond is seriously ill in hospital after a crash in a jet-powered car while filming for the programme.
The 36-year-old presenter was taken by air ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary's neurological unit.
A spokesman for the hospital said Mr Hammond was "stable".
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Homer 6:43PM (9/20/2006)
Sky News is reporting that:
1) A tire burst, causing the car to somersault and break into pieces that could be "delivered in a mail box."
2) Hammond's head was planted in the ground, with the helmet still on his head. He had to be "dug out" by the rescuers that responded.
Of course this is all breaking news so it's accuracy is probably somewhat suspect.
I'm just telling you what Sky News is saying...
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Jim 12:43PM (9/21/2006)
I hope he pulls thru ok. Being "dug out" and still able to talk is amazing.
James
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Jason 7:05PM (9/20/2006)
Get well, Hamster. I wish you and your excellent teeth a full recovery, you're an entertaining lil' guy.
Also, my wife really likes you and she is sad now.
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Neil 7:11PM (9/20/2006)
God I truly hope he'll be ok....this news is a real downer.
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Dave 7:53PM (9/20/2006)
"Of course this is all breaking news so it's accuracy is probably somewhat suspect.
I'm just telling you what Sky News is saying..."
It's also Sky News, which usually adds a little to the inaccuracy. The report from the BBC was that the car was upside down dug into the ground after having rolled several times, but that Richard Hammond was conscious when removed from the car.
Their article : http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/5365676.stm
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alex zhao 7:58PM (9/20/2006)
wow, i read it in a discussion over at the top gear forum.
http://topgearforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=35
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Vinny 9:20PM (9/20/2006)
Hang in there buddy! My kids and I are pulling for you here in the states.
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Stoneman 9:32PM (9/20/2006)
That sucks. I hope he's ok. Crazy car...
Stoneman
http://www.stonemanautoreview.com
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Dave from Omaha 10:19PM (9/20/2006)
The world doesn't need another tragedy. Pull through Hammond, we're all wishing you the best.
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Louis 11:35PM (9/20/2006)
I wondered when (not if) this would happen to one of the Top Gear crew. I gotta say, they have more balls than many other TV show presenters I've seen. It all looks like loads of fun on TV but in the end some of the stunts they do are quite dangerous. Remember the guy dressed as the Stig jumping off a ski jump... on a snowmobile? I sure hope the Hamster makes it through OK with all his marbles where they should be.
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Keith 1:19AM (9/21/2006)
I hope to hear some good news soon - best of luck Hampster!
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Brugte biler 6:17AM (9/24/2006)
I'm so shocked! I hope to hear some good news soon - best of luck Hampster!
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