September 6th 2024.
During a recent interview, former Top Gear star Chris Harris opened up about the terrifying crash that occurred on the BBC series involving his co-host Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff. In the shocking revelation, Harris shared that he had actually warned the broadcaster months before the accident that someone could potentially die on the show if changes weren't made.
In December 2022, Flintoff, a former professional cricket player, was involved in a devastating accident while filming at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey. The incident occurred on the show's test track, which had been used since 2002. After waiting 45 minutes for a helicopter to arrive, Flintoff was airlifted to the hospital and suffered severe facial injuries and broken ribs. It was a miracle that he survived.
In a recent interview on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Harris, who presented Top Gear alongside Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness, shared that he had seen the potential for disaster coming. He explained that after the accident, the show was put on hold and Flintoff had to recover from his injuries. Harris, who also lost his job due to the show being canceled, remained quiet to respect his co-host's privacy. But, he had actually warned the BBC beforehand about his concerns.
Harris, who is an automotive journalist and professional racing driver, went to the BBC and expressed his worries about the show's safety. He informed them that with his extensive experience as a driver, he could see the potential for serious injury or even death. However, his concerns were not taken seriously, and he was left feeling frustrated and disappointed.
The former Top Gear host also shared that while he himself is not risk-averse and enjoys taking risks, he believes that people who sign up for a show like Top Gear understand the potential dangers. However, the critical issue was that his co-hosts, Flintoff and McGuinness, did not have the same experience with cars as he did. This led to situations becoming too dangerous, and eventually, the accident occurred.
Harris recalled a specific moment in Thailand when he and McGuinness were racing down a hill in wooden go-karts with no engine. He remembers thinking at the time that it was not a matter of if they would get injured, but how badly.
Harris also shared that after the accident, the BBC conducted a health and safety review of Top Gear and made some important recommendations for future productions. However, a separate investigation was also carried out into Flintoff's crash.
Despite Harris raising concerns beforehand, he feels that his warnings were not taken seriously, and he was not supported by the BBC. He shared that it has been difficult for him to deal with the aftermath of the accident, knowing that he had predicted it. It's a position he never wanted to be in, and it's heartbreaking for him because he loves the show.
The BBC has since released a statement indicating that they have taken the necessary measures to improve safety on the show, but Harris still feels let down by their response. It's a tragic situation that he never expected to be a part of, and he hopes that lessons have been learned for future productions.
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