Richard Hammond, a renowned TV presenter, author, and journalist, is best known for his time on Top Gear alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May. His career has spanned various genres, including motoring, science, and entertainment. However, one of the most memorable aspects of his life is his resilience and recovery after surviving two major accidents that could have ended his life.
The 2006 Jet-Powered Car Crash
On 20 September 2006, while filming a Top Gear segment at RAF Elvington airbase near York, Hammond was involved in a horrific crash. He was piloting a jet-powered dragster called Vampire, which had a top speed of up to 370 mph (595 km/h).
On his final run to gather additional footage, the front-right tire of the car failed while he was traveling at 288 mph (463 km/h), causing the vehicle to veer off the runway.
The car flipped multiple times, and Hammond’s helmet was forced into the ground, which caused soil to enter his mouth and damaged his left eye.
Rescue crews found him breathing but unconscious, and he was quickly transported to the neurological unit of Leeds General Infirmary by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
The Aftermath of the Accident
Hammond was placed in a medically induced coma for two weeks to help his recovery. He suffered from post-traumatic amnesia and had only a five-second memory span after regaining consciousness.
Although he made a remarkable recovery and appeared on television just three months later, Hammond later admitted that he had lost an entire year of memories, including the interview he gave upon his return to TV.
His brain injury led to lasting effects such as memory loss, depression, and emotional difficulties, which he has openly discussed in various interviews.
The 2017 Rimac Concept One Crash
As if the jet-powered car crash wasn’t enough, in 2017, Hammond was involved in another severe accident while filming The Grand Tour. He was driving a Rimac Concept One during a hillclimb event in Hemberg, Switzerland, when he lost control of the car just after crossing the finish line.
The vehicle tumbled down a hill, flipped, and came to rest upside down. Hammond remained conscious throughout and was airlifted to a hospital where he was diagnosed with a fractured knee. He later described the incident as a near-death experience, reflecting on how he felt certain he was going to die in those moments.
Resilience and Return to TV
Despite these near-death experiences, Richard Hammond has continued to work in television. His sense of humor, resilience, and love for cars have kept him going through the years.
His colleagues and fans, including Jeremy Clarkson, have been by his side throughout these tough moments. Hammond returned to filming The Grand Tour and has also worked on various other TV shows, including Richard Hammond’s Workshop, Science of Stupid, and Brainiac.
Conclusion
Richard Hammond’s life is a story of incredible survival and determination. From his days on Top Gear to his multiple accidents, Hammond has proven time and time again that he can overcome challenges that few could imagine.
His continued work in the television industry is a testament to his passion for entertainment and his undying love for motoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What caused Richard Hammond’s 2006 crash?
The crash was caused by a tire failure while he was driving a jet-powered car called Vampire at 288 mph during filming for Top Gear.
2. How serious were Richard Hammond’s injuries in the 2006 crash?
Hammond was in a coma for two weeks and suffered from post-traumatic amnesia. He also experienced memory loss and emotional difficulties following the crash.
3. Did Richard Hammond fully recover from his 2006 accident?
Although he made a remarkable recovery, Hammond has spoken openly about lasting effects such as memory loss and emotional challenges.
4. What happened during Richard Hammond’s 2017 Rimac crash?
Hammond crashed a Rimac Concept One during a hillclimb event. The car tumbled down a hill, and he was airlifted to a hospital with a fractured knee.
5. Is Richard Hammond still working in television?
Yes, Hammond continues to work in television, including his series The Grand Tour and Richard Hammond’s Workshop, despite the accidents he has endured.