Kent News - Killer Formula One crash film is gruesome internet hit

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Killer Formula One crash film is gruesome internet hit

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Tom Pryce (left) collides with Jacques Laffite

Gruesome footage of the tragic death of Formula One driver Tom Pryce has become a big hit on a top internet site.

The accident, which took place 30 years ago this month, has been viewed more than 200,000 times on video website YouTube.com.

Pryce, 27, who was married and is buried in a church in Otford, near Sevenoaks, was the victim of one of motorsport’s most freakish accidents as he competed in the South Africa Grand Prix at the Kyalami circuit in 1977.

Another racer’s car had broken down and flames were licking from the engine. Two marshals ran across the across the track to his aid just as Pryce hit top speed and crested the brow of a hill.

Pryce drove straight into marshal Jansen van Vuuren, killing him instantly. The
19-year-old’s body could only be identified later when all the other marshals were gathered together to see who was missing.

But the fire extinguisher he was carrying smashed into Pryce’s face, almost decapitating him, and he was killed too.

Now the tragic moment of impact has become a disturbing hit on YouTube along with a host of other F1 fatalities.
Motorsport fan Tim Cohen, of Sittingbourne, said he was dismayed when he found the clip.

He said: “It is extremely shocking footage and not at all suitable for people to watch – especially youngsters who could stumble over the footage.

“We all know motorsport is a dangerous business, and that back in the seventies safety left a lot to be desired, but surely we do not need to be reminded in such grotesque fashion?”

Pryce, who had been tipped to be a future world champion, is buried in the cemetery of St Bartholomew’s Church in Otford, near Sevenoaks.

Tragically, it was the scene just two years earlier of his marriage to local girl Nella.

He was also a regular at Brands Hatch in his youth, taking part in a number of race schools at the Kent circuit and returning to win the Race of Champions in 1975.

POSTED: 24/03/2007 03:00:00