Regis Laconi seriously injured in Kyalami Superbike crash

[Cajun]

Reports out of Kyalami, venue of this weekend's World Superbike races, indicate that DFX Corse Ducati rider Regis Laconi was seriously injured in a high speed incident today. Laconi crashed heavily during the opening moments of the first practice and was airlifted to a hospital in Johannesburg, where he was placed in a medically induced coma. It is thought that Laconi fractured his cervical vertebrae in the accident.

more found here - > http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/May/090515d.htm

[Grahameeboy]

Prayers to that man.......no one likes a fallen rider....

[Matt Bleck]

stink! :( .

[Kflasher]

Sad news, wish him a speedy recovery.

[That Guy]

Good luck Regis...thinking of you frenchy.

[MIXONE]

Oh shit.
Heal quick.
Who will replace him on the duc?

[enigma51]

Regis Laconi has been placed in a pharmacological coma following an accident at the start of World Superbike free practice at Kyalami.

The Frenchman crashed on his first lap around the South African circuit, his head making hard contact with the gravel to warrant immediate medical attention.

Stabilised at the track side before being airlifted to Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg, Laconi is suspected to have fractured his cervical vertebrae.

Laconi was subsequently placed into a coma for the time being in order for them to monitor his progress. Nonetheless, while Laconi is considered to be on the 'danger list', a press release issued by the DFX Corse team says Laconi has seemingly not suffered any neurological trauma and is able to move his limbs.

He is scheduled to be operated on tonight when two plates will be inserted to support his vertebral column where he has suffered his injury.

The team stated that he came off the track at a high-speed left hander, violently striking the top of his body and his head.



From crash.net

[discotex]

Fark that sounds nasty!

[Bikernereid]

Jesus doesn't sound good. Hope that he was wearing a really good helmet.

[Mort]

Nasty... hope he's OK

[roogazza]

Kyalami, never been myself, but will always remember the place after losing a great mate there, (Nev Hissy) in early 80's. Gaz

[enigma51]

The planned operation to help ease Regis Laconi's condition following his practice crash at Kyalami on Friday has been delayed for the time being on the advice of a neurological expert.

The French rider crashed heavily at the start of free practice for the South African round of the World Superbike Championship, and required immediate attention at the side of the circuit before being airlifted to Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg. Initial diagnosis pointed to spinal fractures, but it wasn't until Laconi was safely installed in hospital that a full evaluation of his injuries could be carried out.

Investigations on Friday evening confirmed that the DFX Corse rider had indeed suffered back injuries, with the cervical vertebrae C3 and C5 both broken, along with severe concussion and a lung contusion, but a CT scan proved to be negative in the search for nerve damage.

While the latter news is encouraging, Laconi remains in an induced coma, although his condition has been upgraded to 'stable'. The operation initially planned to install plates to stabilise the Frenchman's spinal injuries, however, has been delayed for at least 48 hours on the advice of South African neurosurgeon Dr Maurizio Zorzi, who was flown in from Pretoria to offer his opinion on the extent of the veteran's injuries.

The official WSBK website claims that, provided there are no further complications, it could still be as long as three weeks before an accurate prognosis of Laconi's condition is possible, during which time he will remain immobilised.



Also from crash.net

[Badjelly]

Good news, relatively speaking: Regis Laconi is set to embark on the long road to recovery having successfully undergone a surgical operation to stabilise his fractured vertebrae.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/19052009/23/laconi-undergoes-successful-operation.html

[Badjelly]

Regis is continuing to improve:

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/10062009/23/laconi-home.html

[Skunk]

Good news. That recovery could take quite a while.