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.
“But far from being dead, he’ll come home slightly improved.”
Richard had five metal pins inserted after smashing his left knee.
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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.