Inside Flintoff’s near-fatal Top Gear crash – agonising wait to staff’s PTSD

Cricket fans rejoiced as Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff made a public appearance on Friday – nine months on from the 130mph crash that left him 'seriously emotionally and physically affected'.

Flintoff, 45, was filming a segment for Top Gear in December 2022 when he crashed in a three-wheeled open-top car that had no airbags. And the details regarding the reported response to the tragic incident only serve to highlight the battle Flintoff faced in the months that followed.

The BBC show was filming at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome – the home track of Top Gear – when the accident took place. Flintoff flipped a Morgan Super 3 and slid along the ice-cold track at high speed with minimal protection.

Despite the stunt clearly posing a high threat of danger, it was reported the former England cricket star had to wait 45 minutes for an air ambulance to pick him up. The BBC axed the 34th season of Top Gear as a result and apologised to their presenter, who has become known as the daredevil of the most recent cast.

READ MORE: Freddie Flintoff seen for first time since Top Gear crash still showing face injuries

The broadcaster also confirmed the incident had 'impacted the production team' one of whom was said to be suffering from PTSD as a result. In fact, it was reported numerous crew members who witnessed the crash 'signed off sick indefinitely' in response.

The Mail on Sunday provided quotes from one such member of the team who witnessed the smash that left Flintoff with broken ribs as well as significant facial injuries. And they said their colleagues were unsure as to whether they would return to the show.

What's your favourite moment from Freddie Flintoff's glittering cricket career? Let us know in the comments section below.

"The scenes were awful, something you would truly want to unsee," they said earlier in 2023. "The idea of returning to do that kind of work again for some people is just too much.

"It has been a terribly hard time for everyone involved in the crash. Some are still struggling with it so have been signed off work."

It also remains uncertain as to whether Flintoff – who first joined the production in 2019 – will return to his role. The cricket icon has appeared in 21 episodes of Top Gear to date, having previously became a regular and fan favourite on Sky's A League of Their Own.

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Fans will have surely been overjoyed to see Flintoff back in the public eye this week. It was announced the two-time Ashes winner has joined England's coaching staff ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand, and he was seen sporting sunglasses and scarring around his chin and nose.

"It's just great for him to be around, he's obviously an England legend and it's just nice to have him around the group," said captain Jos Buttler in Cardiff.

"He's not been brought in with any specific role, just to be around and observe.

"A few of the lads can pick his brains a little bit and he's settled in really well. It's great to have him with us. Just for this series."

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