Massive IndyCar Crash Launches Franchitti Into Catch Fencing, Injuring Spectators
Four-time IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti suffered a spinal fracture, concussion and a fractured ankle after a massive crash at the Houston Grand Prix.
The Target Chip Ganassi Racing driver was battling with former F1 racer Takuma Sato when the Japanese driver ran onto marbles off line. With Sato's car slowing, Franchitti's car smashed over the top of Sato and into the catch fencing.
His car quite literally disintegrated as it hit the catch fencing. Unfortunately the fence couldn't take the force of the impact, breaking apart and sending debris into the crowds. One official was injured in the crash and 13 fans suffered minor injuries, with two taken to hospital and 11 treated on the scene.
Sato's stationary car was hit by E.J. Viso after the crash but both managed to walk away unscathed. However, Franchitti was lowered onto a stretcher following his impact with the barriers and was taken to the local hospital. His spinal fracture won't need surgery and he stayed in hospital overnight for observation.
This terrifying still was shared by a local news station on Twitter from a viewer video:
Still shot of crash @ Houston Grand Prix. It's a still frame from viewer video. See The video @ 5:00. pic.twitter.com/rRWDB9hfOU— KPRC Local 2 Houston (@KPRCLocal2) October 6, 2013
Below are videos of the impact:
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