High-Speed Collision with Kangaroo Causes Gruesome Injuries for Race Car Driver
A high-speed collision with a kangaroo during the Bathurst 12 Hour race resulted in significant damage to a Ford Mustang GT3 and a harrowing experience for driver Christopher Mies. The incident, occurring on the fourth lap of the race at approximately 250 km/h (155 mph) on the Conrod Straight, highlights the unexpected dangers faced by motorsports athletes and the potential for severe trauma even with comprehensive safety measures.
Mies, driving for Haupt Racing Team, sustained no apparent physical injuries but was visibly shaken and covered in blood following the impact. The front of the vehicle was completely destroyed. He was able to exit the car under his own power, but the experience left a lasting impression, both physically and emotionally.
The Impact and Immediate Aftermath
The force of the collision was substantial enough to shatter the windshield and propel animal matter into the cockpit. “The problem was that I couldn’t see anything anymore, the windshield was completely shattered. Of course I was covered in blood and everything else that is in a kangaroo,” Mies explained immediately after the incident. He described having blood and “kangaroo guts” in his eyes, requiring immediate cleaning to regain visibility. His priority was to safely maneuver the damaged vehicle away from the racing line to avoid further collisions.
The incident wasn’t isolated. Kelvin van der Linde, driving a WRT BMW M4 GT3, also struck the same kangaroo. Mechanics discovered fragments of the animal lodged within the vehicle’s radiator. Fortunately, van der Linde was able to continue the race. The Mercedes-AMG Team Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT3 also sustained damage in the collision but was able to resume racing after repairs.
The Sensory Experience of a High-Speed Collision
Beyond the physical trauma, Mies described a profoundly unpleasant sensory experience. He recounted the overwhelming and lingering odor resulting from the impact. “I just had to throw up, I had to puke,” he stated. “The smell was incredible. I’ve showered twice already. I can still smell the smell in my nose. I can tell you the inside of a kangaroo doesn’t smell particularly good.” This visceral reaction underscores the psychological impact of such a traumatic event.
Potential Physical Trauma and Considerations
While Mies reported no immediate physical injuries, a collision at 250 km/h carries a significant risk of both obvious and subtle trauma. The sudden deceleration forces experienced during the impact can cause a range of injuries, including:
- Concussion: Even without a direct blow to the head, the rapid acceleration and deceleration can cause the brain to move within the skull, leading to concussion. Symptoms can range from headache and dizziness to memory loss and cognitive impairment.
- Whiplash: The sudden jolt can strain the muscles and ligaments in the neck, resulting in whiplash.
- Musculoskeletal Injuries: Impact forces can cause fractures, sprains, and strains throughout the body, particularly in the chest, abdomen, and extremities.
- Internal Injuries: While less immediately apparent, internal organ damage is a serious concern in high-impact collisions.
The fact that Mies was covered in blood suggests the possibility of lacerations and abrasions, which, while seemingly minor, require thorough cleaning and assessment to prevent infection. The presence of “kangaroo guts” in his eyes also raises concerns about potential corneal abrasions or other ocular injuries.
Psychological Impact and Recovery
The psychological impact of a near-death experience like this should not be underestimated. Even without physical injuries, the trauma of a high-speed collision can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviors.
Mies’s lighthearted comment about not buying his son a kangaroo stuffed animal, but opting for a koala or wombat instead, may be a coping mechanism, but it doesn’t diminish the seriousness of the event. Professional psychological support is often recommended for individuals involved in traumatic incidents, even if they appear outwardly unaffected.
Track Safety and Wildlife Interactions
The incident raises questions about track safety and the potential for wildlife interactions at racing circuits. Haupt Racing Team boss Ulrich Fritz described the incident as “bad luck,” acknowledging the inherent unpredictability of such events. “At 245 km/h there’s nothing you can do about it,” he stated.
While complete elimination of wildlife risk is likely impossible, measures can be taken to mitigate the danger, such as improved fencing, wildlife warning systems, and track design modifications. However, the vastness of the Australian outback and the mobility of kangaroos present ongoing challenges.
The early retirement of the Ford Mustang GT3 due to the collision is a setback for the team, but the primary concern remains the well-being of the driver. As Mies recovers from this harrowing experience, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in motorsports and the importance of prioritizing safety.
