Pierre Levegh And 80+ Spectators Are Killed At Le Mans (1955)

[AlvinKarpis]

Levegh's 300 SLR struck the mound at such speed and angle that it was launched into a somersault, which caused some parts of the car, already damaged and loosened by the collision, to be flung from the vehicle at very great speeds. This included the bonnet and the front axle, both of which separated from the frame and flew through the crowd. The bonnet decapitated tightly jammed spectators like a guillotine. With the front of the spaceframe chassis—and thus crucial engine mounts—destroyed, the car's heavy engine block also broke free and hurtled into the crowd. Spectators who had climbed onto trestle tables to get a better view of the track found themselves in the direct path of the lethal debris. Levegh was also thrown free of the tumbling car, fatally crushing his skull when he landed.
As the remains of the 300 SLR slowed its somersault, the rear-mounted fuel tank ruptured. The ensuing fuel fire raised the temperature of the remaining Elektron bodywork past its ignition temperature, which due to its high magnesium content was lower than for other metal alloys. The alloy burst into white-hot flames, sending searing embers onto the track and into the crowd. Rescue workers, totally unfamiliar with how to attack a magnesium fire, poured water on the inferno – greatly intensifying the fire. As a result, the car burned for several hours. Official accounts put the death total at 84 (83 spectators plus Levegh), either by flying debris or from the fire, with a further 120 injured. Other observers estimated the toll to be much higher.

I know this is a re-post, but the only thread about this is for a British Documentary and the video wont work

I have tons of footage that I will post but the video for this thread includes the 4 known films taken that day that captured the disaster, first in real time speed and then in slo-mo

The first film shown was taken by an spectator who was seriously injured, his film camera was busted up but amazingly the film up until about a second before the cameraman was hit survived

The other 3 films were taken by News Cameraman

What To Look For:


1. In the last three clips watch right above the V in the large "Veedol Le Equipe" banner that is on the wall, you will see Pierre Levegh's body as it flies 100s of feet through the sky and lands right on top of the cement wall right above the V and then falling down on the track side of the wall. Once you see him land you can reverse the Flash Player and trace him back to the spot of the accident. When people say "He was thrown clear of the wreckage" I have to shake my head and laugh because in reality he was thrown clear of France

2. The second clip shows the hood and front axle flying into the crown, on slo-mo you can see the gore, if you have a frame step button and download the vid you can really see the carnage that the front axel and then the hood (which was going just a tad under the speed of light) caused by decapitation and blunt force injuries.

3. The third clip you can see the engine rolling through the crowd behind the axle and hood, it kills and injures spectators by striking, rolling over and crushing the spectators. And if any of those were not enough the engine was not red hot but white hot.

The second video was uploaded by DR member Infidel66687, it is an amazing video with every clip I have ever seen. Amazing color and black and white footage! Thank you Infidel66687!

Pics are on page 2

[DOLL]

This guys are pioneers, the toughest in town, to all velocity-riders. whether its on 2 or 4 wheels who lost their lives. RIP.

[LERK]

nice post

[jinhwangtikatang]

Thank you, a defining moment of tragedy in the history of motorsport, and the best quality clip I've seen. RIP all the victims of that terrible day.

[AlvinKarpis]

Originally Posted by jinhwangtikatang

Thank you, a defining moment of tragedy in the history of motorsport, and the best quality clip I've seen. RIP all the victims of that terrible day.

I agree 100%

Its hard to even dream about the horror of one minute having a great day at the track, drinking beer, eating hot dogs (or whatever was popular in France in 1955 for sporting events) hearing the powerful engines and seeing the best drivers in the world compete, and the next minute you have the hood, axle, engine and other smaller parts flying straight at you

No matter how many times I have watched or even went over this footage frame by frame I always cringe

Worst sporting event tragedy of all time

Here is Levegh

[Steve]

Shit I haven't seen this before it took them out like dominoes, nice post geez.

[EFRENS]

O SHIT!! i cant even imagine what I saw!!!

[imbok]

Motor racing used to be criminally dangerous. Fatalities were relatively common among spectators and drivers. We've made an enormous amount of progress since 1955 and thankfully fatalities and and serious injuries are a rarity.

[joos]

Dang. That one chunk (an axel?) just tumbled through the crowd like butter.

[AlvinKarpis]

Here is a compilation video it only shows one clip of the crash but has some before (like an earlier no fatal wreck, crowd shots, driving shots) and after shots (like trying to put out a Magnesium fire with water, taking away a body, people in shock) I have much better videos, just have to find them