Grand Tour star Richard Hammond jumped from motor at 120mph to avoid dying in fireball
The TV speedster, 47, undid his seatbelt to flee the £2million electric car just before it flipped down a hill and erupted in a fireball
RICHARD Hammond escaped his horror 120mph smash by leaping from his motor.
The TV speedster, 47, undid his seatbelt to flee just before it flipped down a hill and erupted in a fireball.
A source said last night: “It was like something in a film.
“Had he been in the car when it burst into flames he probably wouldn’t be here.
“His quick reactions saved his life.” Grand Tour co-star James May, 54, was 20 seconds behind him in the time trial in Hemberg, Switzerland.
He said: “I arrived as marshals pulled him hurriedly away from the burning car as they thought it might explode.
“I saw Hammond’s remains hauled from the wreckage like a hideous vintage film clip.
MOST READ IN TV AND SHOWBIZ
“But far from being dead, he’ll come home slightly improved.”
Richard had five metal pins inserted after smashing his left knee.
READ MORE:
He is set to stay in hospital in St Gallen for another 24 hours for observation with wife Mindy, 46, at his bedside.
His £2million electric car burned at up to 1,500°C and was hosed for eight hours before being towed off. In 2006 he spent two weeks in a coma after a 288mph smash.