Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Driver dies trying to break British Land Speed Record at Elvington Airfield

Investigation launched after police attend scene of ‘collision’

Vincent Wood
Thursday 01 October 2020 20:13 EDT
Comments
Police confirmed they had been called to the scene near York at roughly 4:30pm
Police confirmed they had been called to the scene near York at roughly 4:30pm (Google Maps)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A driver has died during a British land speed record attempt at Elvington Airfield in Yorkshire.

Police confirmed they had been called to the scene near York at roughly 4:30pm following a serious collision at the site.

In a statement governing body Motorsport UK said it was “deeply saddened to announce that a fatal accident occurred this afternoon at Elvington Airfield during a British land speed record attempt”.

The organisation added it had begun a full investigation alongside the event organiser and the local police.

“Further information will be provided once the initial findings of the investigation are available.

“Our thoughts are with the driver’s family, who have been informed, the organisers of the event, and other members of the motorsport community present.”

Just days prior the airfield had been the site where two men set world records for the fastest times recorded in a motorised wheelie bin and a wheelchair.

It was also the scene of a crash involving former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond in 2006.

He was left in a coma for two weeks and with brain injuries after crashing a jet-powered car.

The privately-owned venue, which is an active airfield, is also a facility for driving, driver training, filming and other testing purposes for professional organisations.

Additional reporting by agencies

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in