Top gear presenter critical in leeds hospital after crash in high powered car while filming TopGear.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/5365676.stm

Oooooh eck- I do hope he'll be OK.

He's the funniest part of Top Gear- the show wouldn't be the same without him.

It does sound really bad, I hope he is ok.

Bloody hell, I hope he's alright.

poor richard, i love him on top gear!! :o

hope he gets well soon, and that it isnt as serious as it sounds.

:(

OMG :o Richards hilarious.

I do hope he's ok and my thoughts are with his wife and kids:(

This news is saddening. I'm gutted to be honest. A hospital specialising in neurology would suggest head trauma.

Good luck, Richy lad, good luck.

richard hammond is in hospital after a car crash well recording for top gear, supposedly crashing at 280mph in a jet car?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/n...re/5365676.stm


hope he makes it through i really like him, he's very good and funny on both top gear and brainiac

Page not found - can you check out your link!!

Poor Mr Hammond - I think he's reyt cute!!

:)

Oh no! I love him on Top Gear :( This is sad. I hope he gets better.

omg! Thats awful i hope hes ok i like him he's a funny guy :(

Mod Note: Threads merged.

Bugger, hope he gets better. Top Gear is normally genius with the interaction between the three of them.

oh please please please get better - I love this guy....he's soooo cute!!

:(

O god I really hope he is ok :(

"Critical" according to BBC Website. Hope he pulls through, top bloke

http://www.jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2006/09/vampire_dragster.jpg

The Vampire, sponsored by the Swedish company Thule, weighs 2,200 lbs, is 30 feet long and drinks 7-10 gallons of fuel per mile (depending on the speed). The jet-car accelerates from 0 to 272 mph in six seconds and is powered by a Rolls Royce Orpheus jet engine and is theoretically capable of 370mph. The Vampire holds the "Outright British Land Speed Record" with a blistering fast 300.3mph. Sky News continues with some first hand accounts of the accident after the jump.

"Firefighter Dave Ogden, who witnessed the crash, told Sky News that the 36-year-old presenter was able to speak as he was taken out of the wreckage of the car."

Maybe this is a good sign?

I really, really hope so!!

*fingers crossed*

awwww richarrrrrd i love him

I reckon that there is a strong possibility that the beeb will pull the show after this.

The good thing is, someone like Ch4 will just buy the rights to it instead.

just read a news bulletin..

Richard hammond hurt on set - whilst trying to break the land speed record in a jet car....

i really hope he is ok - he is a good presenter and has a young family to care for.

linky here http://uk.news.yahoo.com/20092006/140/top-gear-star-seriously-hurt-crash.html

I hope he's OK. He's my fave, dead cute, and cuddly but with real mischeivousness with it.

Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond has been injured in an accident while filming an edition of the programme, the BBC said.

Hammond, who often drives high-performance cars as part of presenting the show, has been taken to hospital following the incident at an airfield near York.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "The incident happened quite recently and the focus of our attention is on Richard at this stage. "We will make further details known as soon as they are available."

Inspector Mike Thompson, of North Yorkshire Police, said officers were dealing with the incident at the airfield north-east of York.

He said: "At 5.45pm (on Wednesday) 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." He said no further details were available at this time.

Hammond was in a "critical" condition at Leeds General Infirmary, a hospital spokesman said.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed the accident happened on Elvington airfield, which is seven miles to the south-east of the city.

He said the presenter was filming an episode of Top Gear at the airfield at the time.

The spokesman added: "Relatives have been informed and are en route to the hospital itself." Quoted from Ananova

The Vampire, sponsored by the Swedish company Thule, weighs 2,200 lbs, is 30 feet long and drinks 7-10 gallons of fuel per mile.....
Is that the car they used to burn other cars and the caravan via the jet at the back a few seasons ago? Sounds very familiar for some reason.

Is that the car they used to burn other cars and the caravan via the jet at the back a few seasons ago? Sounds very familiar for some reason.

I'm not sure. I don't think it is.

I'm not sure. I don't think it is.
Sorry, I should have looked at the picture, my internet connection is playing up and wouldn't let me look the first time I tried. It isn't the same car.

I just hear about this by text from my friend as we both love Richard and Top gear and think he is a great presenter, I've been to a couple of the filmings for the show and got our name's down for 18th october show when they start to film again in that month and the first one in on the 4th october so i think they will cancell it now for a wile as it will be to soon. He been in some scrapes for this program latley with the van task when he flip it over i thought he wes hurt then, then when he crash a car that time. But i realy hope he pulls through and gets well soon.

I like both him and Clarkson. They manage to make motoring interesting even to someone like me, who basically has very little interest in cars. I wish him all the best.

However, I can't help thinking that the accident may have indrectly resulted from their obsession with speed. I have never understood why they seem to be concerned with how fast motors can go, when the maximum speed limit is 70.

However, I can't help thinking that the accident may have indrectly resulted from their obsession with speed. I have never understood why they seem to be concerned with how fast motors can go, when the maximum speed limit is 70.

It's human nature to push the limits of physics. To go to new levels. It's appealing to the masses, hence makes great entertainment and pays well to boot. The crossover is whats within the law and whats not, hence, yeah, reality plays a big part. Had the Hamster been doing this on the M1 at rush-hour, then yeah, there'd have been uproar. But he was'nt.

I hope richard gets well soon he is the reason i tune into top gear.

Given his height, shouldn't he have had a booster seat?

OOOWWWW OOOOOOOWWWWW OWWWW, it was meant to lighten the mood ......... OOOOOWWWWWW ......... STOPPIT ..... OOOOOOOWWWWW

I really do hope he is well because the set up on Top Gear is fantastic. Arrogance (the Clarkson), humour and mischief (the Hamster), and level headed, no-nonsense sensible driving, or preferably riding on a bike with a sidecar, with room for a thermos and extra RAC badge holder thingy (the May).

I really hope he is ok, but I couldn't resist ......

Sorry .......

The BBC have just reported that his condition is now stable.

Just heard this on the Radio - gutted!

Get well soon Hamster!

Top Gear is one of my favourite programmes, mainly due to the 3 presenters and the stunts. Just as well seeing as I can't drive.

5live have just reported that his condition is now stable.

Nice one :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

The BBC have just reported that his condition is now stable.
Thankgod for that :thumbsup:

The BBC have just reported that his condition is now stable.

Great to hear get will soon richard.

come on old tipex teeth get better and give clarkson a run for his money

our prayers are with his family

This is gonna sound like i'm having you guys on, but anyone who knows me will accept this. Have Just been texted by Jeremy.

Richard was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmirary neurological department, after the jet car he was attempting to break the UK land speed record in overturned at Elvington Airbase in North Yorkshire. He had been attempting to break the UK land speed record. On his first run he had gone over 300mph, but the crew were unsure as to whether this had broken the record. On a second run it all went wrong.

From what I've been told one of the parachutes used as brakes for the car deployed incorrectly causing the car to veer to the right, this in turn caused the car to flip and dig itself into the ground. He was drifting in and out of conciousness when taken from the car but was able to tell ambulance staff he had lower back pain.

Your having us on :rolleyes:

No, he isn't. He clearly has more information than was in the public domain. Why shouldn't he get a text from Jeremy Clarkson? It's not that unusual really.

It tells you the same on the BBc news page, well most of what you said so that why
people think you haveing them on.

Hope he is ok, i like him, best presenter on top gear!

For what its worth I spent some time working for Carlton 021 in birmingham, before I came to Sheffield. Carlton do the outside broadcast for Top Gear. I have better things to do than play fantasist believe me. I would like nothing more than to tell you this was some joke but it isnt.:mad: :rant:

Thanks Donuticus :)

.... and in other news...

tell you what, if Mr H pulls through this (which I am sure he will), his profile will really blast off! boy will be a national treasure!

Hopefully he will pull through and be back to normal in no time. Maybe this will make them think twice about the kinds of stunt they pull on the show next time though.

I read this morning that he was attempting to break the land speed record, and it was traveling at over 300 mph when it crashed. Surely those sorts of cars should be driven by the motoring equivalent of pilots, or at least an experienced Formula 1 (or whatever it is) driver?

Poor bugger. At least the news of his condition seems to be a little more positive this morning.

hope he is ok, I always found him cute,talented and chirpy

I read this morning that he was attempting to break the land speed record, and it was traveling at over 300 mph when it crashed. Surely those sorts of cars should be driven by the motoring equivalent of pilots, or at least an experienced Formula 1 (or whatever it is) driver?
Someone may correct me here, but I'm not sure Richard Noble was qualified in any of those ways when he broke the land speed record in Thrust2.
I'm not saying he didn't have training, but he didn't drive/fly for a living.

Whenever accidents of this nature occur there are questions raised as to whether the activity should have taken place. My view is that the participants go in to such a venture fully aware of the risks involved.

I hope Richard H pulls through and continues his energetic approach to cars on Top Gear in the future.

According to "look-Leeds" this morning, he showed a slight improvement in his condition, overnight.

hope he does ok.

I thought his commentaries were quite funny.

I realy like him on Brainiac, and I even like him on Top Gear even though I'm not remotely interested in cars. Hope he pulls through.

I also heard this morning that he has made slight inprovement overnight, I hope he makes a full recovery, and my thoughts are with his family & friends.

I hope he recovers well.

Yeah, hope he gets better soon........


.

He was filming for top gear, was in a car doing 280mph.....reported to be critically injured

hope he is going to be ok......

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/...234566,00.html

Same here, hope Richard gets well soon, he is also fab on Brainiac. I would quite gladly go for a 300mph roll with him! :rolleyes:

Get well soon Hamster!!!!!!!!

I hope he's ok!! I am really sad to hear this news, I love him!!!! My friends pick on me for my obsession - but he is lovely, if not a little short!!!

Some posts were deleted as the thread had lost its purpose which is to talk about Richard Hammond and his distressing accident.

Get well soon Richard!

Get well soon Hamster :thumbsup:

Best wishes to richard and his family. top gear is one of fav programs and wouldnt be same without him. accident seems extremely unfortunate since they had already done several runs and previous one may have already broken the record

really hope he makes a full recovery soon

hazel x

I'm sure all the presenters of Top Gear realise the dangers of speed. It's not the first time they've all danced with death, apart perhaps from James 'Captain Slow' May. Speed is a gamble. It has been their choice to do it and under the safest of conditions. Sadly, accidents do occur and it's so upsetting that such a nice bloke has been so badly hurt. Grand Prix drivers take this gamble each time they drive. It's a thrill. Being part of Top Gear is a thrill.

I've learned so much from this programme. I hope the Beeb do keep it going. I hope Richard makes a speedy recovery and we can all watch the team take the mickey out of his accident in future months. My thoughts are with him and his family.

Did anyone hear one of the reports last night which implied that Hammond is The Stig. Was that a misinformed journalist or a slip from someone in the know? Have we ever seen them both at once? Can't wait to see Hammond when he's back on and the other 2 take the p*** as I'm sure they will.

Did anyone hear one of the reports last night which implied that Hammond is The Stig. Was that a misinformed journalist or a slip from someone in the know? Have we ever seen them both at once? Can't wait to see Hammond when he's back on and the other 2 take the p*** as I'm sure they will.

I know for a fact that he's not the Stig.

I know for a fact that he's not the Stig.

How can you be so sure Meds ?

How can you be so sure Meds ?

Most people who are involved with the making of the programme (and I know a couple who are on the behind the scenes crew) have actually seen the Stig without his helmet. He does actually take it off sometimes you know!

I know for a fact that he's not the Stig.Come on then.

He does actually take it off sometimes you know!


I think you are making that up ? Surely it is stuck firmly on top of his head ....... a friend of mine is an F1 test driver & he has met the Stig on a few occassions.

Perry McCarthy used to be 'The Stig' dont know who the new one is :hihi: rumour is its a girl though

Perry McCarthy is 'The Stig':hihi:No, he was the original one dressed in black. He is said to be different people one of whom is Julian Bailey a wanabee F1 driver. Damon Hill has been touted as him too.

What is the stig?

What is the stig?

He's the tame and anonymous racing driver that does timed laps in all of the cars so they can compare them on a speed basis with the same driver and track.

Isn't there a thread about the Stig elswhere? Shouldn't be get back on topic here.

We are on topic, I was speculating over whether Hammond was the Stig or not. I went to Elvington in the 70s with my dad and a guy called Arnold Sundqvist crashed a jet car there.

Penso che dovremmo parlare dello Stig in Italiano.

What is the stig?

He's here, although I cant really see him being a very good racing car driver,
http://www.bbc.co.uk/derby/features/2002/01/stig/stig_gallery2.shtml

Makes you wonder if he's ever taken a driving lesson in his life too.

Richard was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmirary neurological department, after the jet car he was attempting to break the UK land speed record in overturned at Elvington Airbase in North Yorkshire. He had been attempting to break the UK land speed record. On his first run he had gone over 300mph, but the crew were unsure as to whether this had broken the record. On a second run it all went wrong.

You might want to be careful what you say - the BBC are reporting that they are denying that he was attempting to break the UK land speed record.

You don't want to get anyone in trouble!!

Hope he gets well soon.

To cheer people up abit,take a look at this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q9cnON2eAE&mode=related&search=)

You might want to be careful what you say - the BBC are reporting that they are denying that he was attempting to break the UK land speed record.

You don't want to get anyone in trouble!!

Yes well, they're covering their tracks - it was reported by the BBC (Radio 1) this morning that he was attempting to break the record.

What is the stig?
Some say that his genitals are on upside down. And that if he could be bothered, he could crack the Da Vinci Code in 43 seconds. All we know is, he's called The Stig :hihi:

Yes well, they're covering their tracks - it was reported by the BBC (Radio 1) this morning that he was attempting to break the record.
It was also on the BBC news site, which is where I read it this morning.

It was also on the BBC news site, which is where I read it this morning.

So tough t*tties Auntie!

I have this horrible feeling that they've recently been reading the Top Gear insurance policy though....

You might want to be careful what you say - the BBC are reporting that they are denying that he was attempting to break the UK land speed record.

You don't want to get anyone in trouble!!How would that get anyone into trouble? If he did break the record on one run the rules state that he has to do it again the opposite way within an hour and the speed is the average. Quite a few UK records have been set at Elvington.

Latest on Sky News http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-13543385,00.html

Oh dear, BBC are now reporting that he has suffered significant brain injury. It's a grim read.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/5367616.stm

BBC now reporting that he has suffered significant brain injury. It's a grim read.
OHHHH NOOOO! :(

Oh dear, BBC are now reporting that he has suffered significant brain injury. It's a grim read.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/5367616.stm

I have just read it - there are still optimistic though about his chances of a full recovery!

Surely they wouldn't say things like that if there was only a slim chance of him being OK!!

I for one will remain positive! He's a tough hamster!!!!

:)

Latest from the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/5367616.stm)

I for one will remain positive! He's a tough hamster!!!!

:)

Latest from the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/5367616.stm)

I hope too Shiesh, that his brain is not reduced to the size of one

they're are still optimistic though about his chances of a full recovery!

No they're not. They're optimistic of a good recovery. No mention of a full recovery:(.

Then again. The docs weren't all that optimistic when Gorden Kaye had his accident a few years ago, so there's hope:thumbsup:

Get well soon Hamster.

Hope he gets well soon.

To cheer people up abit,take a look at this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q9cnON2eAE&mode=related&search=)
thanx uncleheed, this has reminded me of how cute he is, wishing him a speedier recovery now.

Good luck to Richard & his family & hope he makes a full recovery.

Get well quick hamster!! apparently james may was origianaly going to do it until he was too busy doing something else already planned.

i really hope he will be ok!! towd jez clarkson has been at his bed side most of the time...he loves his hamster

How many spins?........ Crikey, I know the thing is big, but from this perspective it looks tiny! Look at the distance it flipped!!! Looking at the skids (grooves in the tarmac), it must have gone sideways on into the grass, which caused the initial rotation.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/06/uk_enl_1158860103/img/1.jpg

Please, please let him get better soon. He is great !!!!

I was absolutley gutted when I heard the news yesterday.

I hope he comes out of this ok I know that's optimistic at the minute but good things happen to good people and richard is definatley one of those.

I like the bit on the BBC news article where it states Clarkson said to Hammond (by his bedside) that he had always been a rubbish driver and the Hamster smiled.

Just heard the BBC are planning to pull top gear after this accident? That makes sense :loopy:

I think the BBC want to get on with making more TV like top gear, it nets them a fortune world wide and has a cult following, if they do pull top gear the back lash will be huge, and some one will make a tidy sum making the program for another company.

It seems the BBC's answer to things going wrong is to blame the series and withdraw it, a bit like Noel's House Party, when a stunt when wrong and a guy died. (turned out to be a suicide). I say that the BBC want to get a grip and ask Hammond, once he's back to full health, what he thinks would be best.

PS get well soon Richard :thumbsup:

Yeah i think Richard would want them to carry on with or without him:thumbsup:

Apparently Jeremy was joking with Richard yesterday calling him 'a crap driver' which brought a smile to little Hamsters chops,

Come on Hamster you can do it! Get back on that wheel! :thumbsup:

A heartening aside to this story, according to the news report is that Top Gear/ Hamster fans have pledged approx £26,000 to the Yorkshire Air-ambulance, in grateful thanks for their part in the medevac of Hamster to The LGI.

News reports this morning say that, although he has suffered quite severe brain-injuries, the doctors forecast that he has a very good chance of making a good recovery.

here's hoping.

Just heard the BBC are planning to pull top gear after this accident? That makes sense :loopy:

I think the BBC want to get on with making more TV like top gear, it nets them a fortune world wide and has a cult following, if they do pull top gear the back lash will be huge, and some one will make a tidy sum making the program for another company.

It seems the BBC's answer to things going wrong is to blame the series and withdraw it, a bit like Noel's House Party, when a stunt when wrong and a guy died. (turned out to be a suicide). I say that the BBC want to get a grip and ask Hammond, once he's back to full health, what he thinks would be best.

PS get well soon Richard :thumbsup:

they cancelled top gear once then brought it back when fifth gear started because of the ratings it was getting

i dont drive but i watch the show because its entertaining even if i did drive and money was no object i wouldn't spend the likes of money on some of the cars they show (buggatti veyron £860,000) to mention one but its the interactiveness between jeremy, richard and james what you have here is 3 people who know what their talking about and have a passion for cars

if the bbc fold on this show it would be the biggest mistake since Thomas Farynor a baker in 1666 said sod watching the cakes i'm going for a beer

the hamster rules and i wish him a speedy recovery

Out of Intensive Care!!!!!:thumbsup:

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-13543592,00.html

Out of Intensive Care!!!!!:thumbsup:

YAY !!!!!!:thumbsup:

Good to hear.


.

That's fantastic and amazing news. They must have had some very good protective equipment on him to recover from an accident at that speed.

I am glad to hear he getting better i was on tender hooks yesterday everytime news came on.

Hes a tough little devil isnt he?

awww thankgod for that:) :thumbsup:

:thumbsup: yes

Woo hooo :thumbsup:

It would be an absolute travesty if they cancelled Top Gear because of this. I ws reading an extended article on Beeb website and it's the first accident where someone got seriously injured, in its history.

Thanx to whoever posted the link to YouTube - spent ages watching them last night and howling my head off :hihi:

James May in Telegraph today, "He tried to sit up when I came in and he gave me a sort of grin, which I have to say was a very uplifting moment for me, I had a bit of an unmanly moment at that point. I was chuffed to see him although he's muttering, he seems much like the irritating little **** I know and love. Even when he can't say much, he seemed to make as much sense as he does when he can talk normally".

May also dismissed stories that he stepped down at the last moment to allow Hammond to drive the jet engined dragster.

He's not going to live this down when he's back, they were bad enough about his white teeth.

Remarkable how that post automatically had the word s*** changed when it's printed in the Telegraph!

I can hear Clarkson now,when TG comes back on:

On tonights show we test the new Koenegseggseggsegg

And Hamster gets bitten by a Vampire!!

...a bit like Noel's House Party, when a stunt when wrong and a guy died. (turned out to be a suicide). ...

OT, but are you quite sure about that?

OT, but are you quite sure about that?


It wasnt noels house party it was The Late Late Breakfast Show.

It wasnt noels house party it was The Late Late Breakfast Show.
I remember that programme well. It was the Whirly Wheel thing with Mike Smith, as I recall. I really doubt suicide was involved though; I thought it was a tragic accident.

Its amazing how big a deal this has turned into and I mean that in a good way. Its on every news bulletin even if nothing has changed because they know we all want to know how he is.
Was really upset on Wednesday night so really happy that the news is seeming much more positive :thumbsup:
It would be a total travesty if the beeb pull top Gear, no one wants that

Its amazing how big a deal this has turned into and I mean that in a good way. Its on every news bulletin even if nothing has changed because they know we all want to know how he is.
Was really upset on Wednesday night so really happy that the news is seeming much more positive :thumbsup:
It would be a total travesty if the beeb pull top Gear, no one wants that
Yeah i agree everyone wants to know how he is that shows he's one of the few nice guys around not all celebs would get people this worried.

I hope they dont pull Top Gear coz of the accident. Although i wonder if Hamster would go back once he makes full recovery.

I hope they dont pull Top Gear coz of the accident. Although i wonder if Hamster would go back once he makes full recovery.

If they do, as I've said earlier, someone like Ch4 will buy the rights to it - and the presenters.

Additionally, if Mr H does make a full recovery and re-enters the limelight, think of his renewed value! He'll be worth fortunes!

It would be a shame to cancel Top Gear because of this, unless the presenters feel they do not wish to continue. I think Mr Hammond would probably have raced the car even if he were not on Top Gear - it is his job after all.
I am very glad to hear that he is out of immediate danger.

His condition is certainly improving.

According to JC: "In the wee small hours of Thursday night, just 30 hours after what is almost certainly the world's fastest ever car crash, Richard Hammond suddenly sat up in bed opened his eyes and asked what had happened."

More info is on the BBC and Sky's websites:thumbsup:

It's just the usual ridiculous knee jerk reaction. They won't cancel the programme, the extraordinary outpourings in response to this incident will ensure that. Most of the programme isn't doing dangerous stunts and it is still very entertaining anyway even to non motoring enthusiasts. The only thing they might do is restrict some of the stunts but hopefully they won't. Formula 1 racing wasn't banned when Ayron Senna was killed live on televison.

Clarksons report on the accident (http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006440317,00.html)

Many fans and petrolheads are doing their bit by donating to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which took Richard to the hospital:

http://www.yorkshireairambulance.org.uk/index.html

Clarksons report on the accident (http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006440317,00.html)

a top article slh73!

Hammond is out of bed has been walking this morning. The docrtors are considering moving him to a normal ward.

a top article slh73!



awwwww that article has just mde me cry! im just so relieved hes ok!!! and i loved his first words to james may :hihi:

Richard Hammond true Yorkshire Grit. G.W.S. Mate.

awwwww that article has just mde me cry! im just so relieved hes ok!!! and i loved his first words to james may :hihi:

hmmm. **** face.

Good to see him back up and about so soon after the crash. He seems a tough bloke and hopefully we will see him back on tv soon.

Does anyone else think there was a bit of sensationalism in the initial reporting?

The early reports acted like he was almost dead, yet several hours after the accident he's getting up for a pee and chatting like normal.

Another blinding article by Jeremy Clarkson

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2372412_1,00.html

Hear hear!

Does anyone else think there was a bit of sensationalism in the initial reporting?

The early reports acted like he was almost dead, yet several hours after the accident he's getting up for a pee and chatting like normal.

I think the fact that he got up was a really big surprise to everyone, medics included, and the lack of broken bones resulting from a crash at that speed is a testament to the improvement in safety features in all sorts of vehicles.

I'm sure that the question in the minds of everyone who actually saw the crash was 'how the **** did he not die in there?'.

I'm sure that the question in the minds of everyone who actually saw the crash was 'how the **** did he not die in there?'.The car isn't really very badly damaged considering what happened. There was sensationalist reporting, one "eye witness" said you could have put the pieces through a letterbox. The doctors who were in the know didn't say anything. If you look at skid marks on aerial pics it looks like it went to the left of runway then back across it and rolled on the grass on right of runway. The marks in the grass don't go very far so it must have slowed a lot before it went over or even onto the grass. As Clarkson says, he has bumped his head hard due to G forces.

I think there was a certain amount of fall out from the Steve Irwin incident evident in the way the Richard Hammond accident was reported.

I'm glad he's OK, but frankly the way the media reported the incident, I was half expecting candlelit vigils outside the Hospital or telethons to pay for his treatment..

Richard Hammond-I love you!

Get well soon
xxxxxxxx