Richard Hammond seriously injured in jet-car crash

**Bob** · 22nd September 2006, 02:40

"Top Gear" presenter - and avid biker - Richard Hammond has been seriously injured driving a jet powered car at speeds of up to 300mph (approx. 480km/h)

I'm going to give a link to a BBC news item, as I don't want to cut this one down to ensure you get the full story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/n...re/5367616.stm

Thankfully, it appears his condition, whilst still serious, is improving.

I know Top Gear and Hammond have a lot of fans in NZ, so thought you would want to know.

**Bob** · 22nd September 2006, 05:48

Sadly, it appears that Richard Hammond has suffered a brain injury:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/n...re/5367616.stm

I'll try to keep an eye on this and post more news links as they appear.

**Filterer** · 22nd September 2006, 09:32

Hope he pulls through, seems like a nice guy and hes the only one on top gear that like bikes.

Best wishes to him and his family

**Postie** · 22nd September 2006, 10:12

Bob, don't you read anything on this site?

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...hlight=hammond

**Bob** · 22nd September 2006, 21:15

Originally Posted by Postie

Bob, don't you read anything on this site?

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...hlight=hammond

Almost never get into "Rant or Rave" - pardon me for trying to pass on some NEWS (in the NEWS section)!

Chee!

In this case, isn't it more important that people might like to know about this, rather than running "Who posted first" contests?

**Colapop** · 22nd September 2006, 21:17

Well, thankfully it's not a pissing contest - my keyboard would get wet!

Anyway back on topic. Has The Hampster suffered permanent (brain) injury or is that not yet known? Will this spell the end of Top Gear?

**Bob** · 22nd September 2006, 21:19

Originally Posted by Colapop

Anyway back on topic. Has The Hampster suffered permanent (brain) injury or is that not yet known? Will this spell the end of Top Gear?

As yet, nothing confirmed. Latest from the BBC:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/n...re/5369512.stm

**Ghost Lemur** · 22nd September 2006, 22:24

Supposedly he was communicating with emgency staff upon arrival so hopefully it's nothing serious or permanent.

What's scary is the safety nazis are now jumping up and down about the program, and fault, and people who choose to do things that are potentially dangerous.

I'm sure if they had their way we wouldn't be allowed outta the womb.

Get well Hamster then drive fast.

**bell** · 22nd September 2006, 22:33

Had to laugh when i read this:

(Jeremy)Clarkson reported that Hammond had smiled briefly at him when he quipped: "The reason you're here is because you're a crap driver."

**Bob** · 22nd September 2006, 22:50

Richard Hammond is out of intensive care. BBC latest:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/n...re/5369512.stm

Still no news on the severity of the injury, other than he suffered a "significant brain injury".

**Lou Girardin** · 23rd September 2006, 07:24

Originally Posted by Bob

Richard Hammond is out of intensive care. BBC latest:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/n...re/5369512.stm

Still no news on the severity of the injury, other than he suffered a "significant brain injury".

He'll still be cleverer than Jeeza though.

**Naki Rat** · 23rd September 2006, 15:00

Still no news on the severity of the injury, other than he suffered a "significant brain injury".[/QUOTE]

Latest news on "Hamster" can be found here http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/1112/
Along with some interesting stuff... Check out the 'Carbage' section.

**Highlander** · 23rd September 2006, 15:13

The only show on telly worth watching all week, and he is the real star.

Get well soon.

**Bob** · 24th September 2006, 00:42

This has to be good news - OK, only a few steps... and they were "shakey", but real signs of improvement:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5372890.stm

I thought you might also like to see the "Have your say" section on the BBC site which has been devoted to Hammond, well wishes and comments on the whole 'Should he have been allowed to drive the car?' situation:

http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thre...20060923134051

**Bob** · 24th September 2006, 21:31

Richard Hammond continues to make a recovery - he has now been released to a general ward and has been joking with his wife:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5374918.stm

Great news. Also amazing is that in just a short time since they asked for donations to be made to the Air Ambulance service that lifted him to hospital, a website was set up by Pistonheads.com - so far they have raised an amazing £132,461.50 (381,910.13 NZD):

http://www.justgiving.com/phrichardhammond

Lets all hope Richard continues to make such amazing progress and that the donations keep rolling in for this vital service.