Canadian Grand Prix Accident: Worker Dies During Clean-Up After Race
A Canadian Grand Prix accident has shocked the racing community after reports came out that a volunteer track worker died after being run over by a crane during clean-up after the Formula One event in Montreal. The terrible incident occurred when the track crew began moving Esteban Gutierrez’s car from the infield after the race was over.
The Sauber car, a Swiss Formula One team, didn’t finish the race and was being hauled off the track after the checkered flag. Matteo Bonciani, F1’s head spokesman, addressed the accident in a statement to reporters at the track.
“The recovery vehicle had lifted the car to return it to the pits, and while doing this, the worker dropped his radio and attempted to pick it up,” he said about the cause of the incident. “As he did this, he stumbled and was hit and run over by the recovery vehicle.”
The disturbing scene truly hit the hearts of everyone involved in the sport, especially those at the track on Sunday. The man was rushed to the Sacre-Coeur Hospital by helicopter due to the Canadian Grand Prix accident after being stabilized by on-site trauma nurses.
“Unfortunately, the worker succumbed to his injuries at the hospital,” Bonciani added. The name of the victim has yet to be released. but track officials did note that he was a member of the Automobile Club de l’Ile Notre Dame.
Esteban Gutierrez took to Twitter after the accident was released to send his prayers to the family of the victim.
My dearest condolences to the family of the marshal who lost his life today, our prayers for him & his family. RIP
— Esteban Gutierrez (@EstebanGtz) June 9, 2013
This wasn’t the first time a death occurred at the Grand Prix in Montreal, as driver Riccardo Paletti was killed in 1982 when he collided with another driver’s car near the starting line. Formula One has regularly been considered one of the most dangerous sports in the world, and the frequency of accidents has raised questions among fans and officials.
Do you believe the Canadian Grand Prix accident will lead to safety changes within Formula One racing?
[Image via Morio]
