Dick Van Dyke involved in crash after 'losing control of his car'

Legendary entertainer Dick Van Dyke was involved in a car crash last Wednesday morning in the city of Malibu, police have confirmed.

Police responded to a call over an accident involving one vehicle and when officers arrived they found the 97-year-old actor behind the wheel of a 2018 Lexus LS 500 that he'd crashed into a gate.

News of the crash was first reported by TMZ and LA County Sheriff's Department confirmed the incident to LADbible.

The actor explained his car had slid and he'd lost control of the vehicle before it collided with the gate, with the Los Angeles area being blighted by heavy rains which made the roads wet during the time of the crash.

Van Dyke was treated at the scene by paramedics as he was bleeding, but he declined to go to a hospital and did not suffer any serious injuries.

The 97-year-old was picked up from the scene of the crash and police have filed paperwork for him to retake his driving test with his age considered to be a potential factor.

No drugs or alcohol were reported to be a factor in the 97-year-old's car crash.

About 10 years ago the actor was lucky to survive a far more serious car-related incident as back in 2013 his Jaguar caught fire while he was behind the wheel.

A fellow motorist and two off-duty nurses helped pull him from the vehicle and the entertainment legend was unharmed after the incident thanks to the help from the passers-by.

The same couldn't be said for his car, which was burnt out as he joked that he was willing to offer anyone a 'used Jag for sale REAL CHEAP'.

Back in 2010 the beloved icon of the big screen was in serious danger after dozing off on his surfboard and waking up to realise he couldn't see any land around him.

Fortunately in that instance he says he was rescued by a group of friendly porpoises who pushed him back to shore, which was nice of them.

REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo

The performer has previously said he looks forward to reaching the ripe old age of 100 and keeps himself fit and healthy in his golden years.

Van Dyke also credits his wife Arlene Silver, who he married back in 2012, as a huge help in him continuing to live a healthy lifestyle well into his 90s.

In addition to delighting audiences of all ages over a glittering decades-long career Van Dyke also just seems to be a thoroughly nice chap in general.

In 2021 during the height of the coronavirus pandemic he was spotted handing out cash to job seekers at a non-profit organisation which helps people get back into work.