Freddie Flintoff was reportedly waiting almost an hour with agonising facial injuries after he crashed while filming Top Gear, as staff were said to be unable to find a stretcher for him.
The former cricket player, 45, was driving an open-topped three-wheel 130mph Morgan Super 3 car for the BBC show when the vehicle flipped at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey on December 13.
Flintoff was airlifted to hospital with broken ribs, facial and jaw injuries after the incident. He has since been recovering, cancelling his work engagements.
Following the accident, the BBC and government body, the Health and Safety Executive, both launched probes into it with a statement issued insisting that “all health and safety procedures were followed.”
According to The Sun, Flintoff was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash nor did the car have any air bags.
The BBC has now been hit with further allegations that a medical stretcher could not be located, and that Flintoff had an “agonising 45-minute wait” before the air ambulance arrived.
A source told the outlet: “The accident itself was far worse than anyone really realises – it's hard to put into words, really; what he went through is simply unimaginable.
“But essentially the car turned over at speed, and Freddie – who also broke some ribs – understandably is traumatised by the whole thing.”
In light of the new report, a BBC spokesman told the Standard: “In March we concluded our investigation into the accident at the Top Gear Test Track in Surrey, which regrettably injured presenter Freddie Flintoff.
“We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and continue to support him with his recovery. A health and safety review of the show is underway, in line with our procedures.”
Following the crash, the broadcaster has paused filming on Top Gear as Flintoff recovers from his injuries.
Speaking in March, chief content officer at the BBC Charlotte Moore was asked if the corporation is committed to Top Gear returning.
She said: “My priority at the moment is supporting Freddie through his recovery so I think it would be really inappropriate for us to resume filming now.
“I think when we get to the point where he feels ready... and we’ll get to thinking about getting him back.”
She added: “I think we’ve got to talk about what Freddie wants to do. When someone’s in recovery, I don’t think we would push that ... I think that would be really inappropriate, I wouldn’t be happy.
“I think you’ve got to be really human about this and do the right thing.”
