Niki Lauda's near fatal crash

Germany / Rheinland-Pfalz / Herschbroich /
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During the first lap of the 1976 German Grand Prix, Niki Lauda's Ferrari 312B2 spun and hit an embankment off the side of the track. His helmet became dislodged from the impact, and the car fuel tank ruptured. The car was then hit by another, and it caught fire. Niki Lauda escaped with his life thanks to the combined actions of fellow drivers Arturo Merzario, Guy Edwards, Brett Lunger and Harald Ertl rather than by the ill-equipped track marshals. At the time, safety vehicles took about 10 minutes to reach the driver, since the accident occurred several miles along the circuit. Lauda was conscious and walked to the safety vehicle when it finally arrived, but he had suffered severe facial burns and his lungs were also burned as he had inhaled flames. His condition quickly worsened and he was administered last rites at hospital. He recovered and returned to racing in just six weeks.


www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H1dO9zNBKA&NR=1
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Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niki_Lauda#Ferrari_1974-1977
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Coordinates:   50°22'47"N   6°57'29"E

Comments

  • Accident happened on the 2nd lap after pitting at end of the 1st lap for dry tyres
This article was last modified 10 years ago