DOCUMENTARY: Watch the worst disaster in motor racing history - the day 83 people lost their lives at Le Mans in 1955

2018-08-15 08:20

Robin Classen

Image: TVF Media

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the bucket list events of the racing calendar bringing together scores of fast cars and large crowds from all over the world.

Unfortunately, the event has experienced a dark moment in its rich history back in 1955 when 83 people lost their lives and a further 120 were injured.

A day to forget at Le Mans

On the home straight of the Le Mans 24-hour race, future British world champion Mike Hawthorn made a mistake and Pierre Levegh's Mercedes smashed into the crowd.

READ: 24 Hours of Le Mans: All you need to know about this epic race

Safety in the sport has undergone a massive transformation, with spectator safety of the highest priority.

Please note that this video is almost an hour long in case you want to view during night-time WiFi usage.

Read more on:    mercedes  |  le mans 24 hour race 1955  |  mike hawthorn  |  pierre levegh  |  france  |  motorsport  |  le mans crash  |  tragic deaths in motorsport