Featured Image Credit: BBC / Top Gear
Topics: UK News, TV and Film, Top Gear, Health, Cars
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: UK News, TV and Film, Top Gear, Health, Cars
A new report has claimed that Freddie Flintoff's car 'did not have an airbag' before the horrific Top Gear crash last December.
Flintoff was allegedly made to wait in 'agony' for nearly an hour after the accident and was airlifted to hospital to be treated for his injuries.
The former cricketer and TV host's car reportedly flipped over and slid along the track causing him a broken rib alongside facial and jaw injuries.
Flintoff was driving at a high speed while filming the BBC series when the incident took place back in December 2022.
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A new report by The Sun has since claimed that the car he was driving - an open-topped three-wheel Morgan Super 3 - was 'not fitted with an airbag'.
It went on to claim Flintoff was also not wearing a helmet at the time and that the Top Gear medical team was also initially unable to locate a stretcher for him following the ordeal.
According to the outlet, an inside source close to production said that crew members believed 'insufficient checks' were done before the dramatic crash happened.
Following the incident, the BBC carried out a health and safety investigation into the matter but the broadcaster has not yet released the complete findings to the public.
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Filming was subsequently halted, with reports suggesting that Flintoff would most likely not be returning to present.
While the BBC press office isn't currently commenting on any speculation concerning the accident, BBC Studios has released a statement on the matter.
The spokesperson told LADbible: "In March we concluded our investigation into the accident at the Top Gear Test Track in Surrey, which regrettably injured presenter Freddie Flintoff.
"We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and continue to support him with his recovery. A health and safety review of the show is underway, in line with our procedures."
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After the crash, Flintoff’s 16-year-old son Corey opened up about the situation and how the family were faring, saying his father was 'lucky to be alive'.
"It was a pretty nasty crash," he continued. "It is shocking. We are all shocked but just hope he’s going to be OK."
And this isn't the first time Flintoff has been involved in a car crash whilst filming for Top Gear.
The presenter crashed a car back in 2019 but miraculously avoided any serious injuries.
Speaking at the time he assured fans: "I’m absolutely fine and was back filming today. I go to great lengths to make sure I do well in Top Gear drag races but on this occasion, I went a few lengths too far!"