On this day: 1955 - Motorsport Disaster

On this day in disaster history, 83 were killed and more than 100 were injured at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in  Le Mans, France. On June 11, 1955, ~250,000 spectators lined the nine (9) mile route where cars reached or exceeded speeds of ~190 miles per hour. A collision of a number of race cars said to be traveling ~150 MPH occurred sending debris into the crowd as the cars disintegrated. A fire ensued fed by both fuel and magnesium alloy. The fire was exacerbated when water was applied causing the magnesium fire to increase. 

 Source: http://goo.gl/e5UTY

The accident was captured on an incredible video in which the collision as well as elements of the response can be seen. The race continued during and after the accident reportedly to contain the crowd in an effort to avoid blocking access for emergency vehicles. 

Sources
http://goo.gl/e5UTY
http://goo.gl/i4xLr

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Steven Kuhr

Emergency Management Nexus
Disaster History

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