Driver Justin Wilson in critical condition, coma after crash
IndyCar driver Justin Wilson is in a coma and in critical condition after a crash occurred at Sunday's ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway.
The IndyCar Series announced the update on Wilson's status Sunday night. Wilson sustained a “severe head injury” during the race after being hit with debris from driver Sage Karam's car. Wilson was taken to a nearby Lehigh Valley Health Network hospital in Allentown, Pa.
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Karam, leading the race with 18 laps to go, lost control of his car and spun nose-first into a wall. Wilson came around the same turn and appeared to be struck in the head by a piece of Karam's car that had gone flying into the air. Wilson, apparently unconscious, then lost control of his car and crashed into the interior wall, which was covered by a SAFER barrier.
The race was placed under prolonged caution but continued as Wilson was airlifted to the hospital. Karam walked away from the accident under his own power and was reportedly taken to the same hospital to evaluate a right foot injury.
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Wilson, 37, has competed in six races this season for Andretti Autosport, his eighth year racing in IndyCar.
“It’s a tough one right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with Justin right now,” team owner Michael Andretti said, according to USA Today. Another Andretti driver, Ryan-Hunter Reay, won the race under caution.
Video of the crash can be found here.
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- Jeremy Woo
