Richard Hammond (Top Gear) in critical state

Omaroo (Chris Malikoff) · #1 21-09-2006, 09:40 AM

I understand that this is way off topic, but for those of us that like to watch those nincompoops from Top Gear every week - this is bad news. I hope he makes it out OK.

There've been too many deaths lately.

Quote:

Top Gear presenter hurt

From correspondents in London

September 21, 2006 07:27am
Article from: Press Association

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. The 36-year-old presenter was in a special neurological unit.

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."

Top Gear airs in Australia on SBS.

Ric · #2 21-09-2006, 09:45 AM

That is not good at all, it is a great show and they are all great presenters.
I hope he comes through all right.
Playing with a rocket car, sounds like something they would get up to.

astronut (John) · #3 21-09-2006, 09:56 AM

We pray that Richard will make a complete recovery

These three Larrikens present a programme with something that is sadly lacking in the recent offerings of reality T.V. and that is "ENTERTAINMENT" TOP ONE -TOP GEAR

Dujon · #4 21-09-2006, 10:21 AM

I watch the show as often as I can. I think part of its charm is the sheer stupidity of many of its segments and the (no doubt deliberate) overacting of its presenters and guests.

Get well soon, Richard.

Omaroo (Chris Malikoff) · #5 21-09-2006, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dujon

... sheer stupidity of many of its segments and the (no doubt deliberate) overacting of its presenters and guests.

Yep - you can always see their tongues firmly implanted in their cheeks.

Omaroo (Chris Malikoff) · #6 21-09-2006, 10:41 AM

Word is that he's stable now. Thank goodness.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,...4a1860,00.html

Quote:

Hammond, 36, was trying to break a land speed record in the car when it overturned several times.
It is understood that the 5000hp Vampire jet car was travelling at 450km/h when the crash occured.

Ric · #7 21-09-2006, 11:20 AM

That is really moving, he is definitely a lucky man and will not doubt be back doing it all again in 6 months.
Good to see he is stable now

cheers

Starkler (Geoff) · #8 21-09-2006, 12:24 PM

Top Gear is a top show and certainly one of my viewing highlights of the week.
I hope Richard makes a speedy recovery.

Gargoyle_Steve (Steve) · #9 22-09-2006, 12:03 AM

Love the show ... love the guys who present it ......

Get well soon Richard, we need more high speed, high comedy motor madness!

Interesting and alomsot co-incidental quote from this weeks episode .....
(re those light weight, overpowered, quad racing bikes)

"I'd like to rent some death please"

Omaroo (Chris Malikoff) · #10 22-09-2006, 07:20 AM

Doctor: "He has suffered a significant brain injury," the spokesman said. "It is still giving cause for concern as it is still early after the injury. However, we are reasonably optimistic that he will make a good recovery."

Clarkson: "It must be devastating for his wife Mindy and his two utterly adorable children. Both James and I are looking forward to getting our hamster back."