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Richard Hammond has paid tribute to the emergency workers who helped save his life as he marks the 20th anniversary of his jet car crash.
The former Top Gear presenter was seriously injured in 2006 when the jet-powered Vampire dragster he was driving crashed at more than 300mph during filming for the BBC motoring programme.
Two decades later, Hammond used social media to remember the terrifying incident and thank the people who rescued him, transported him to hospital and helped with his recovery.
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Hammond Remembers the 2006 Crash
The crash happened at the former RAF Elvington airbase near York in September 2006.
Hammond had been driving the jet-powered Vampire dragster as part of a Top Gear speed challenge.
The vehicle was travelling at around 320mph when a front tyre reportedly blew.
Hammond said he pulled the lever to deploy the parachute and tried to steer the vehicle away from danger.
Despite his efforts, the dragster crashed and ended up overturned in a Yorkshire field.
In his anniversary message, Hammond described the moment as an abrupt stop after travelling at extreme speed.
Hammond Says He Thought He Was Going to Die
Reflecting on the accident, Hammond said he became convinced that he was about to die.
He explained that he did not scream during the crash and described the experience in an unusually calm way.
According to Hammond, his thoughts turned to the possibility that death was about to happen.
Rather than describing the moment as frightening, he said it simply became clear to him that dying was the next thing on his “to do list.”
The comments offer a striking insight into how he experienced one of the most dangerous moments of his broadcasting career.
Emergency Workers Were Central to His Survival
Hammond’s anniversary message focused less on the crash itself and more on the people who responded afterward.
He credited the emergency teams who worked to get him out of the wreckage and provide urgent medical care.
He also thanked the air ambulance crew and the medical teams involved in his treatment and aftercare.
Hammond said he remains grateful to the people who came to work that day and performed their jobs when he needed them most.
He wrote that he is only able to mark the anniversary because of the work of those who rescued and treated him.
The People Hammond Thanked
Hammond specifically acknowledged members of the air ambulance and aftercare teams who played roles in his recovery.
His message highlighted several stages of the emergency response:
- Rescue: Teams worked to remove Hammond from the damaged vehicle.
- Air ambulance: He was flown to hospital for urgent treatment.
- Hospital care: Medical professionals treated his injuries.
- Aftercare: Further teams supported his recovery after the initial emergency.
- Long-term recovery: Hammond was eventually able to return to his television career and other projects.
Hammond Reflects on His Life Since the Crash
The 20th anniversary also prompted Hammond to reflect on everything that happened after the accident.
He described himself as having experienced many “lucky career breaks” and incredible adventures around the world.
He also spoke warmly about his family, particularly his two daughters.
Hammond’s point was simple: without the emergency workers who responded to the crash, he would not have experienced those later moments.
His message therefore became both a tribute to emergency workers and a reflection on how dramatically one accident could have changed his life.
A Career That Continued After the Accident
The crash did not end Hammond’s television career.
He continued presenting Top Gear alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May for years after the accident.
The trio later reunited for Amazon Prime Video’s The Grand Tour, which ran until 2024.
Hammond has also remained involved in motoring television and other media projects.
His continued career has made the 2006 crash an important part of his public story, but his anniversary message placed the focus firmly on the people who helped him survive.
Richard Hammond’s Career Timeline
Here are some key points from Hammond’s broadcasting career:
- 2002: Hammond became a presenter on Top Gear.
- 2006: He suffered serious injuries in the high-speed jet car crash.
- 2015: Hammond left Top Gear alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May.
- 2016: The trio began The Grand Tour on Prime Video.
- 2024: The Grand Tour concluded with the original presenting trio.
These milestones show how Hammond returned to broadcasting and continued working in the motoring world after his life-threatening accident.
Why the 20th Anniversary Matters
Anniversaries can bring difficult memories back into focus, particularly when an event had the potential to change someone’s life permanently.
For Hammond, the 20-year milestone provided an opportunity to look beyond the crash itself.
His message emphasized gratitude rather than fear.
The central message was that emergency workers were doing their jobs when they arrived at the scene, but their actions had a profound impact on Hammond’s future.
Key Moments From Hammond’s Tribute
The main points from his anniversary message include:
- The crash happened 20 years ago.
- Hammond was travelling at more than 300mph.
- A front tyre blew on the jet-powered dragster.
- He attempted to deploy the parachute and steer away from danger.
- The vehicle crashed and overturned.
- Hammond believed he was going to die.
- Emergency workers rescued him from the wreckage.
- An air ambulance transported him to hospital.
- Medical and aftercare teams helped him recover.
- Hammond said he remains “forever grateful” to those involved.
Hammond’s Message Is About More Than a Crash
While the jet car accident remains one of the defining moments of Hammond’s career, his latest message puts the emphasis on survival and gratitude.
He acknowledged that his life after the crash included major professional opportunities, international adventures and family milestones.
None of those experiences, he said, would have been possible without the emergency response that followed the accident.
That makes his 20th-anniversary tribute less about revisiting the crash and more about recognizing the people who helped him move forward.
What Happened to Richard Hammond in the Jet Car Crash?
When did Richard Hammond’s jet car crash happen?
Richard Hammond’s jet car crash happened in 2006 during filming for Top Gear at the former RAF Elvington airbase near York.
How fast was Richard Hammond travelling?
Hammond was driving the jet-powered Vampire dragster at more than 300mph. Reports at the time put the speed at around 320mph.
What caused Richard Hammond’s crash?
According to Hammond’s account, a front tyre blew while he was driving the jet-powered dragster. He attempted to deploy the parachute and steer the vehicle away from danger before the crash.
Who helped Richard Hammond after the accident?
Emergency responders, air ambulance personnel, hospital staff and aftercare teams all played roles in his rescue and recovery. Hammond specifically thanked members of these teams in his 20th-anniversary message.
Is Richard Hammond still working in television?
Yes. Hammond continued his television career after the crash, including his work with Jeremy Clarkson and James May on The Grand Tour. The original trio’s series ended in 2024.
