Worst Crash in Motorsports History…..
June 11, 1955…..
Eighty-three spectators and a driver are killed in an accident during the 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race in France. While preparing for a pit stop, driver Mike Hawthorn pulled to the right side of the track in front of driver Lance Macklin and started braking. Macklin, unable to brake fast enough, swerved left in front of Pierre Levegh who was traveling over 125 mph (200 km/h). Levegh’s car launched over Mackin’s and over a protective barrier hitting the spectator area. Levegh was thrown from the car and died on impact. Seatbelts were not in use at the time. His car disintegrated showering the spectators with debris. The hood decapitated several spectators and others were crushed by the engine and other parts of the vehicle.