Sept. 10, 1961 - Count Wolfgang von Trips, one of the world's fastest auto racing drivers, was killed today in a spectacular accident that took the lives of 11 spectators at the Grand Prix in Italy. At least 25 others were injured. The Count, driving his red Ferrari at about 150 miles an hour, lost control, and the auto hurtled off the course. It climbed a five-foot earthen embankment, brushed a wire fence that restrained part of the crowd, and struck the spectators. Von Trips died instantly of multiple skull fractures, along with five of the spectators. Six others died in ambulances or in the hospital. Racing's worst accident was at Le Mans, France, in 1955 when a Mercedes went into the crowd and killed 83.
Comments