British racing driver hails "superhero" rival who saved him from fireball crash
Ollie Millroy credits Loek Hartog with saving his life after a serious accident in a China GT event.
British racing driver Ollie Millroy has spoken from his hospital bed in China, crediting fellow racer Loek Hartog with saving his life after his car burst into flames. Millroy, 36, sustained several fractures and a punctured lung in the incident earlier this month during a China GT event at the Shanghai International Circuit.
Video footage shows Millroy's Ferrari spiraling off the track, engulfed in flames. Rival Dutch driver Hartog, 23, immediately stopped his own race, foregoing any chance of winning, to come to Millroy's aid. Hartog can be seen attempting to free Millroy from the wreckage before searching for a fire extinguisher.
Fire crews eventually arrived and extinguished the blaze, assisting Hartog and track staff in pulling Millroy to safety. Millroy described the event as a "miracle," stating that Hartog's actions were "perfectly executed."
"If you look at the photos and videos of the car, the fact I've got out without life-changing burns or even the fact I'm alive - it's a miracle," Millroy told BBC Sport. He added that Hartog's bravery created a strong bond between them, recalling a moment in the hospital where they both cried recounting the events.
Millroy had previously called Hartog his "superhero" on social media, detailing his injuries and expressing his gratitude. "I am still alive tonight, entirely thanks to one man. Loek Hartog stopped instantly with no flag marshalls or fire crews in sight, and risked his own life to get me out of the car," Millroy wrote. "I don't remember anything between 30 seconds before the crash and 1 hour after it, but I will remember his incredible act of bravery for the rest of my life."
Hartog, in his own statement, described the situation as instinctual. "When I saw a car turning into a huge fireball far ahead, there wasn't really a decision to make. From what I had seen, I genuinely believed the driver might not be able to get out by himself. I stopped, got out and went towards the car. There was never a moment of doubt."