Driver Millroy praises rescuer Hartog after China GT crash
Racing driver Millroy, 36, praises Dutch driver Hartog for pulling him from a burning Ferrari during the China GT Championship in Shanghai.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Racing driver Millroy involved in a serious fireball crash in China
- Trapped in the burning Ferrari for over a minute before rescue
- Suffered multiple fractures and a punctured lung, hospitalized in China
- Rescuer Hartog to fly back to China this week to reunite with Millroy
Racing driver Ollie Millroy has expressed immense gratitude toward fellow competitor Hartog, praising the Dutch driver for his swift action in pulling him from the burning wreckage of his Ferrari. The terrifying incident occurred during the China GT Championship race at the Shanghai International Circuit 11 days ago, after Millroy's car was struck by two other vehicles and caught fire immediately upon hitting the safety barriers.
Trapped inside the burning vehicle while barely conscious for over a minute, Millroy was rescued when Hartog instantly stopped his own car to assist him. Speaking from his hospital bed in China to BBC Sport, the 36-year-old driver emphasized that Hartog acted immediately and executed every necessary step correctly during the high-stress emergency.
The violent impact left Millroy with several fractures and a punctured lung. He also revealed that psychological hurdles remain as he has no recollection of the moments immediately preceding the crash and for about an hour afterward, leaving him trying to piece together the sequence of events.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
"He acted instantly and he did everything right"
Hartog, who competes with a Porsche across various GT racing teams, recalled feeling briefly scared before rushing toward the car and realizing that Millroy could not free himself. Records show it took 59 seconds from the moment Hartog parked his car until Millroy was safely extracted from the burning vehicle.
High-speed motorsport accidents involving fire present extreme life-threatening hazards, making split-second intervention by fellow competitors vital for survival. Hartog's rapid response prevented catastrophic injuries from toxic smoke and extreme heat, underscoring the critical importance of immediate safety protocols and camaraderie in professional GT racing environments.
Despite the severe trauma, Millroy intends to resume his racing career eventually. First, however, the pair are set for an emotional reunion as the 23-year-old Dutch driver flies back to China this week to meet Millroy for the first time since the accident. Hartog previously stated he would repeat his heroic actions a thousand times over, and the two expect to collaborate closely on motorsport safety initiatives moving forward.
Source: BBC Sport
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