From the archives: Dark days in the history of sports

Surojit
Superga Air Disaster

Le Mans Disaster, 1955

Levegh Disaster
Le Mans Disaster

The racing track has witnessed many tragedies down the years, be it the legendary Ayrton Senna’s death at the San Marino Grand Prix, or the recent demise of the NASCAR driver Jason Leffler at a dirt car event.

But nothing can ever beat the Le Mans disaster that occurred during the 24 Hours of Le Mans race of 1955 where driver Pierre Levegh and 83 other spectators were killed and 120 others were injured. This terrible tragedy occurred when Levegh’s car crashed into the earthen embankment that separated the spectators from the track due to contact with the race car ahead of him. The crash sent parts of the car hurtling towards the spectators. Those who managed to survive the crash died from the embers flying out of the burning car.

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