A sad reminder of great humanity

[mumrar]

Today I was reminded of, and sought out a video of Roger Williamson's fatal F1 crash at the 1973 Holland GP. Whilst many have died due to various reasons of safety or other things, what always sticks in my throat about this video is David Purley's attempts to save his fellow driver, and the utter chaos exhibited by those meant to be there to help.

For those who ever utter the phrase "Health and Safety gone mad, these days"

[youtube]3mz3ZzSXyWM[/youtube]

David Purley - a legend!

 

[Lampshade]

It wouldn't happen these days, the drivers would need a risk assessment

 

[me123]

It wouldn't happen these days, the drivers would need a risk assessment

Maybe I'm missing the point, but surely preventing a fatality is a good thing?

 

[mumrar]

No, I think 91107 was missing the point with his 'witty' anti H&S comment. Roger Williamson was only in his second F1 race, and had raced against Purley in other single-seat classes previously. Due to the unwillingness and ineptitude of the Marshalls, none of whom turned up with a fire extinguisher to a flaming car! Purley had to listen to his friend and countryman scream as he burned to death as he battled in vain to single-handedly save him.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Sad video. Wasn't Purley killed in a plane crash off Bognor years later? RIP to both anyhow, Purley was a true hero.

 

[westcoaster]

how hard hitting is that, never seen or heard of that, but o my what a selfless thing to do, you can see how hard he is trying, trying to save a life of another man, i would certainly fill his glass up for him anytime down the pub.

 

[chris89]

Orignally saw that footage in a tribute video to the F1 drivers who sadly died and had a song from Within Temptation - Our Farewell playing in it.

That footage is very hard hitting to watch him try and save his fellow driver.

Chris

 

[DescendingSadly]

Reminds me of the time Senna got out of his car to go and assist a fellow driver who had crashed, yet he would push people during the race to the point of crashing and was considered a very risky driver.

It just shows how great a sportsmen most F1 drivers are. Maybe other sports could learn a thing or two off them. Running across a race track which has cars doing 150mph+ is mad enough, but to then try and save a friend from a burning car that could potentially explode is beyond the call of duty. I take my hat off to you Mr Purley.