Richard Hammond "critical" after crash!

Matt F · 20-09-2006, 21:36

Real bad news on Richard Hammond - let's hope he pulls through:

BBC NEWS | England | North Yorkshire | TV presenter critical after crash

Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond is in a critical condition in hospital after a crash in a jet-powered car while filming for the programme.

The presenter, 36, was taken by air ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary which has a special neurological unit.

A North Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesman said he was unconscious when they got to the scene and a hospital spokesman described him as "critical".

The BBC confirmed the presenter had been injured during a Top Gear shoot.

Inspector Mike Thompson, of North Yorkshire Police, said officers were dealing with the incident at Elvington airfield, a former RAF base, in North Yorkshire.

He said: "At 5.45pm this evening we received a report via the fire service of a male person trapped in what was described as an overturned jet car which had been driven on the airfield.

"The male occupant has received serious injuries and has been airlifted to hospital at Leeds."

Matt.

**Angela** · 20-09-2006, 21:53

Oh no, that's not good news

Gary Bagshawe · 20-09-2006, 23:14

Reports in tommorows newspapers vary from speeds of 280-330mph and that the car flipped over.
Fingers crossed he will be ok.

**stepheno** · 21-09-2006, 07:08

It's a bummer. An essential part of the "triumvirate" and well loved by many. Apparently he's been living on the edge, so to speak, for a while. I certainly wish him well.

***Steve*** · 21-09-2006, 08:07

Very sad and shocking news, together with Jeremy and James they make a great team and keep TopGear at the front for this kind of programme. He always comes across as a really nice genuine bloke.

I really hope things turn out well and he makes a full recovery. Thoughts should also go to his wife and children.

***Dave*** · 21-09-2006, 08:36

Just seen this on the news this morning. Critical but stable was latest statement from Hospital & Clarkson was at his bedside. Fingers crossed for the guy.

nicklovick · 21-09-2006, 12:18

was shocked when I heard the news. TopGear is about the only program I go out of my way to watch.
Lets hope Richard makes a full recovery!

***Dave*** · 22-09-2006, 08:45

Update on the news said he had significant brain damage, but in same breath they feel he could make a good recovery

Let's hope the latter is true

***Dave*** · 22-09-2006, 09:24

Just got the paper. Daily Mail has 2 page spread on the story , with half of it dedicated to a debate in light of the accident :-

"Should Top Gear be scrapped" ...YES or NO ?

**Angela** · 22-09-2006, 10:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

"Should Top Gear be scrapped" ...YES or NO ?

Oh for heaven's sake

I can understand Jeremy Clarkson's frustration with the HSE, OK, they have a job to do but no-one seems to be allowed to take risks anymore, we all have to be namby-pambied and wrapped in cotton wool. Hammond et al know what they're doing and they know the risks they take. They're adrenalin junkies, they thrive on taking risks. If that's what they choose to do and they're not putting anyone at risk but themselves, why shouldn't they carry on?

daveyuk · 22-09-2006, 11:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angela

Oh for heaven's sake

I can understand Jeremy Clarkson's frustration with the HSE, OK, they have a job to do but no-one seems to be allowed to take risks anymore, we all have to be namby-pambied and wrapped in cotton wool. Hammond et al know what they're doing and they know the risks they take. They're adrenalin junkies, they thrive on taking risks. If that's what they choose to do and they're not putting anyone at risk but themselves, why shouldn't they carry on?

Agrees with the above comments.

Think the whole country has gone "PC" "Sue the @rse off anyone" "HSE" Crazy.
Top gear SHOULD continue to be recorded and shown on tv, after all loads and loads of people have grown up with and watch Top Gear how can anyone think to say this prog should be canned if it is then we're just giving in to the ****s that want us wraped in cotton wool all the time.
Sorry rant over

***Dave*** · 22-09-2006, 11:22

Agree, but if things didn't work out for Richard, you do wonder how Clarkson will feel about continuing ?

***Steve*** · 22-09-2006, 11:24

TopGear is about three blokes doing what blokes like to do most, go fast and play with expensive and sometimes dangerous toys. Richard Hammond would have been fully aware of the risks involved with the drive and from what I have read elsewhere the rocket car was prepared and setup by the people that own it and have used it to take the current land speed record. They were also there at the filming and throughout the preparations so it’s likely that Richard was as prepared as anyone could have been.

Its also worth remembering that he also holds a racing licence so is probably more skilled than the 'ordinary' journalist that according to the car owners have many times driven and tested the same rocket car.

I personally believe this is just a case of it being a bad accident, sometimes they happen and it may not be anyone's fault. It will be a great shame if the accident investigation becomes a witch hunt and overshadows Richards current health position