Topgear News
Topgear presenter Richard Hammond injured in Jet Car stunt
Posted on September 21, 2006 @ 8:50 amTop Gear presenter Richard Hammond is improving but remains seriously ill in hospital after he crashed a jet-powered car during filming for the BBC show. The 36-year-old was thought to be driving at about 300mph on an airfield near York when he crashed on Wednesday.
The Health and Safety Executive and the BBC will investigate the incident.
The corporation, whose conduct is likely to be closely scrutinised, said in a statement: “We are looking into all the factors of this accident.”
The statement continued: “It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage until we know the full situation.”
The Leeds General Infirmary, where Hammond was taken by helicopter, said his wife was at his bedside and, at the request of his family, no further information would be released.
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Motoring expert Adam Rayner, of Fast Car magazine, said that at those speeds the driver would experience forces similar to those endured by fighter pilots.
“These cars accelerate at 6G - the force is breathtaking and stopping is a real difficulty,” he said.
Former firefighter Dave Ogden, who runs private firm Event Fire Services, was one of the first people at the scene of the crash.
He said: “We were down there with Top Gear who were filming him trying to break the British land speed record.
“On the previous run, the car had just gone over 300mph but I am not sure if it had broken the record.
“They had just done one more run and were planning to finish when it veered off to the right.
“One of the parachutes had deployed but it went on to the grass and spun over and over before coming to a rest about 100 yards from us.”
He said his crew and an ambulance that was already on the airfield rushed over and found the car upside down and “dug in” to the grass.
Mr Ogden said he felt for a pulse and heard Mr Hammond breathing before the emergency crews worked together to turn the car the right way up and then cut him free.
He added: “He was regaining consciousness at that point and said he had some lower back pain. But he was drifting in and out of consciousness a little bit.”
Former Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson said the presenter was “irreplaceable”.
‘International personality’
He said: “He is a wonderful, unique and distinctive Top Gear presenter.
“He has brought an awful lot to the programme and his indefatigable energy, the fact that he tries absolutely anything once, may have been the reason that he has overstepped the mark a bit.
“He has turned Top Gear into a gang show with Jeremy and James and the three of them have wowed audiences all over the world and he is an international personality.”
Mr Willson added: “There is no pressure from the BBC or the producer to take undue risks.
“But that pressure is in your own head. You want to do an item on the programme which is mind-blowing.”
The presenter, who works on Top Gear with fellow hosts Jeremy Clarkson and James May, grew up in Solihull, was educated in Yorkshire and lives near Cheltenham with his wife and children.
In addition to presenting Top Gear for the BBC, he also fronted Brainiac on Sky One until recently.
This article was taken from the BBC news website
September 21st, 2006 at 12:04 pm
Hi guys - I would just like to send my best wishes for a quick recovery to Richard and his family.
These things are never easy to deal with but I am sure that he will come out of it soon, and be better than ever. Get well Ssoon Hammond!
September 21st, 2006 at 12:45 pm
Richard,
We’re all think of ya pal. All the best for a speedy recovery.
September 21st, 2006 at 1:52 pm
Richard,
You’re the reason I’m stick with my TV on “Brainiacs” and “Top Gear”. Astonish me by getting well faster than ever seen, so we can have those beers I’ve saved ’till we get together in Romania. Best wishes to you and your familly. Miss your smile so GET WELL SMILING!
September 21st, 2006 at 1:58 pm
Get better soon richard!!! you have to carry on presenting top gear!!! with jeremy!!! its my sunday night entertainment!!!
get well
September 21st, 2006 at 2:05 pm
HAMMOND IS HERE!!
September 21st, 2006 at 4:03 pm
richard hammond is the best
get well soon
we miss you so much
come back soon
your the best presenter in the world
love zenna
September 21st, 2006 at 4:04 pm
Hamond is my tv hero i was upset to here that he crached but he is a strong man so he will get well soon
September 21st, 2006 at 4:47 pm
Hello Richard i was shocked to hear what had happend to you . Try, d to find out more of your situation i have read that you are recovering . The best wishes for you and your family . And see you soon on tv . Greatings from Holland . Marcel !!! Me and my family are big fan,s
September 21st, 2006 at 5:24 pm
id just like to say get well soon as tv is not the same with out you there. best wishes to all the family and you are very lucky to have a man like him. all the best and see you soon.xxxx
September 21st, 2006 at 6:24 pm
I wish a speedy recovery for Richard and all the best to his family!
Please let it just be a broken leg or something!
Good luck from the Netherlands
September 21st, 2006 at 7:39 pm
Wishing Richard a speedy recovery,never met the guy but I like him very much.Hope to see him fit and well and back on top gear he is in my thoughts and prayers.
September 21st, 2006 at 8:22 pm
Best wishes to the family and friends. Hang on, Richard, get well!
September 21st, 2006 at 9:34 pm
richard get soon better,and we cant see you on tv.
hamster must on tv
greetz from holland
September 22nd, 2006 at 12:41 am
best wishes to the hamster and his family from all fans in New Zealand . speedy [bad pun ] recovery
September 22nd, 2006 at 8:31 am
all poland is with you
come back
take care
September 22nd, 2006 at 8:34 am
richard don t give up
September 22nd, 2006 at 9:35 am
Its you that make me want to watch the programme everytime. Get well fast. Yashin-Mozambique
September 22nd, 2006 at 12:02 pm
from all your fans down under all the best and hope you are back on the show soon
September 22nd, 2006 at 3:32 pm
Dear Richard and family,
Jeremy and James are alright, but you’re the best on my favourite BBC-tv programme Top Gear, every Sunday night. Please, get well soon, I’m already missing you!
Lots of love,
Hans Gerritsen
(The Netherlands)
September 22nd, 2006 at 4:23 pm
dear richard,
hope you get beter soon you are one of the best presenters in the world i cant belive your in hospital i hav been so sad about all the newsme and my best friend chloe prytherch hav bought every paper your in get well soon me and chloe will be glad to see youback on tele soon love one of your biggest fans xxx Tyla Mccarthyxxxxxx all my wishes to my familyxxxxxx (10 years of age girl)
September 22nd, 2006 at 4:26 pm
get well soon hammy loves ya always see ya son xxtylaxx
September 22nd, 2006 at 4:39 pm
So upset to hear about the accident. Hang on in there Richard, so that we can see that wonderful smile of yours again. Hope your road to recovery is a speedy one! Luv Tina
September 22nd, 2006 at 4:40 pm
Best wishes Richard looking forward to you getting back on the screen.
billy living in cyprus
September 22nd, 2006 at 4:40 pm
dear richard,
i can’t wait to see u back on tv on brainiac and top gear missin you already your no 1 fan
xxxx kaidie prytherch xxxx (10 years of age)
September 22nd, 2006 at 6:31 pm
You must get well soon Richard, you have been a breath of fresh air to Top Gear. We live in California now, but are checking your progress everyday via our laptop. Best wishes to your family, our thoughts are with all of you.
Such a Fantastic Guy and top presenter xxxxxxxxxxxxx.
September 23rd, 2006 at 7:28 am
So shocked to hear about the accident during the week. Hang in there Richard, so that we can see that wonderful smile of yours again. Hope you recover much faster.Tumi Phatlane
Sandton (South Africa)
September 23rd, 2006 at 9:28 am
Hey Hampster
Best Wishes to you and your family, hope you get better soon, you are the maddest and greatest presenter for the BBC,Get well soon buddy.
Sammy, Pakistan…
September 23rd, 2006 at 9:58 am
Sorry to hear you wiped-out. Get well. Love ya’ work.
Aussies love you.
Regards
Bob
September 23rd, 2006 at 10:52 am
Hi Richard!!!
Get better we are waiting for you!!!!!!!
Gays, read Polish portals interia.pl or onet.pl, there are thousands of comments with wishes for you.
We love you. Ther is not exagerration if I say: ALL POLAND AND POLISH COMMUNITY IN ENGLAND IS WITH YOU!!!
September 23rd, 2006 at 11:53 am
carnt wait to see u in the next series of top mabey youll burnt down some more caravans get well soon mate
stacey
September 23rd, 2006 at 11:55 am
richard get well soon we want to see more caravans on fire an the show wont be the same with out you best wishes to you an your family
September 23rd, 2006 at 12:08 pm
get well soon mate 4 new series
September 23rd, 2006 at 8:16 pm
dear richard,
ive been so glad about this news today i hear you can walk smile and sorta talk wishing you and your family all the best lots of love xxxtylaxxx
(girl 10 )
September 23rd, 2006 at 9:08 pm
We were all shocked to hear the news this week, i have been glued to every news broadcast this week to see how you were doing. We all wish you the best and hope its a speedy recovery. xxx
September 24th, 2006 at 8:09 am
hey richard so sorry to hear of your crash, wishing you a very speedy recovery from all of NEW ZEALAND. KIA KAHA BRO (be strong).
September 24th, 2006 at 4:15 pm
Hamster, we’re praying for you. Nothing will be the same without you… Gat better!!!
September 24th, 2006 at 7:11 pm
Great to hear you’re doing so well Richard. The whole family is following your progress. Please get well asap. Can’t wait until your back on our screens. Best wishes to you and your family.
September 25th, 2006 at 9:14 am
Dear Richard and Family,
We watch Top gear religiously here in South Africa.
May you recover quickly and your family have the strength to stand by you in this tough time. Get well soon.
Crazyfolks
South Africa.
September 25th, 2006 at 10:44 am
look forward to seeing you back in Oz.
September 25th, 2006 at 1:24 pm
Sorry to haear about this terrible acciedent Im a big fan of top gear and im horrified about the accident best wishes and a quick re covery rhys crawford!!
September 26th, 2006 at 2:06 am
All the best mate from the lads in Hartlepool…may you get well as soon as possible and we all can’t wait to see you back on the telly…
ALL THE BEST WISHES MATE….
Gav,Mark,Lee,Andy,Ellett,Dean,Neil,Nealos…
September 26th, 2006 at 7:41 am
HAMSTER HOPE YOUR OK DONT WALK TO THE LIGHT WE NEED YOU TV WONT BE THE SAME
EL PIEO
September 26th, 2006 at 2:24 pm
get well soon bro, we all love you Richard. Top Gear wont be the same without you. Egypt wishes you a fast recovery. my sympathy to all the members of your family
September 26th, 2006 at 6:29 pm
this is brainiac’s Richard Hammond, the science shows presenter that stared death in the face and told him to get a life
September 26th, 2006 at 11:10 pm
Top Gear is one of the best TV shows one can watch!
And the Dynamic Trio, Jeremy, James and little Hamster provide the laughs and entertainment that keeps people tuning in weekly!
I stumbled on the article in the newspaper and after watching the show on Monday 25/9, felt prompted to post a comment.
Get Well soon Richard, your vivacious energy is the missing element on Top Gear!
September 27th, 2006 at 8:34 pm
Get Well Richard. Top gear has magic with the energy of you, Larry and Mo. And thats not common. I never watch shows on anything to do with cars. But Top Gear has me glued to my screen. its the only show that I want to watch. So please for me and the millions out there like me, get better and stay part of our lives.
September 28th, 2006 at 11:30 am
get well soon , cant wait to see you back on telly..
September 29th, 2006 at 7:28 pm
Richard … man ur show is amazing .. i really wish u speedy recovery …. n i wish d best fr ur health n happiness fr ur family … Ur d best!!!
October 2nd, 2006 at 6:00 pm
come on hamster get better and get back on tv,so u can give jc more stick!!!!!!!!
all the best
bruce and eliza
October 6th, 2006 at 8:40 pm
Dear Richard, (aka. Hamster!)
I’ve just watched your show in which the three of you go on “holiday”. I laughed my but off!!
I was shocked when I read about your crash, but hey, you’ll get better won’t you?
I just wanted to say: Get well soon, so you can let everybody in Holland (and England of course) smile again!
Love, Sophie
October 7th, 2006 at 10:56 am
WISHING Richard a speedy recovery we think he as done really well keep it up best wishes D ling and family west midlands and an avid fan of top gear