Richard Hammond Crash Video
The high speed crash which nearly killed ‘The Hamster’ Richard Hammond was shown on Top Gear this week and this is the edited footage of that horrific crash. There’s no blood or gore but it’s quite disconcerting to watch so be warned…
Richard Hammond Crash Footage - video powered by Metacafe
It’s pretty amazing viewing, and even more amazing that he’s sat in the studio talking us through the crash a few months after it happened. For those who are new to this story and aren’t aware what all the fuss is about here’s a short synopsis.
37 year old Richard Hammond (nicknamed the hamster for his short stature) presents Top Gear with Jeremy Clarkson and James May. The show is about everything cars and motoring and has garnered quite a loyal cult following in recent years. Apart from testing cars, and putting celebrities to the test around a track, the team also delve into the weird and wonderful, those stories on the sidelines of motoring. Filming the latest series last September, Richard was to drive a rocket car similar to the Vampire used to break the British land speed record. During his third run in the jet-powered car, while travelling at 288 miles an hour, the right hand tyre blew out causing the crash you can see above. He’d already broken the land speed record, clocked at 314 mph, but is not officially the holder as the rules weren’t adhered to.
He was rushed by air ambulance to hospital where he was treated for a significant brain injury and his condition was described as serious. It took weeks of recovery before he was allowed home, taking with him the wishes of millions of fans who, as one, rallied round the TV star. Over Christmas, Richard appeared on Jonathan Ross’ show, looking perfectly well, and explaining that he felt lucky to be alive though was disappointed to have no outward scars to show off.
Top Gear returned to British TV on Sunday where the above footage was shown, with Jeremy and James taking the mickey throughout. The show ended with Richard asking that the crash never be talked of again. He’s a brave man, and it’s pretty miraculous he came out virtually unscathed, although doctors have warned him there could be personality changes in the future. I hope he’s fine as he’s a top bloke and a great presenter, and Top Gear wouldn’t be the same without him.
Richard Hammond Crash, Richard Hammond Crash Video, Richard Hammond Crash Footage, Top Gear, The Hamster, Jeremy Clarkson, James May, Vampire, British Land Speed Record, Jonathan Ross
February 3rd, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Wow, that was a spectacular wreck. Glad to see he’s all right. Also wanted to say that Top Gear is probably the best car related show on TV.
-Bill
February 3rd, 2007 at 9:53 pm
Agreed Bill, It’s a great show, they cover a great variety of car stuff, without it ever getting boring or dull.
Does it air in the States?
April 12th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
[…] I just can’t get enough of Top Gear, and I’m not even a big car guy. Just seeing the interaction between Richard Hammond, James May and the least politically correct man in the world Jeremy Clarkson is enough to make it essential viewing. […]
September 14th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
[…] It was a terrifying crash which could quite easily have killed the guy, and it’s a miracle he ended up fit enough to present the new series of Top Gear a few months later where they showed the crash as above. I looked at the crash in more detail back in February so click here to read that post. […]