Chris Evans shaken after tuk-tuk overturned while he was driving at charity car festival
CHRIS Evans was left shaken today after two women were hurt when a tuk-tuk he was driving overturned at his charity car festival.
The Virgin Radio DJ was attempting a turn while beeping the balloon-decked three-wheeler’s horn when it crashed.
Onlookers gasped as the white canvas-topped tuk-tuk’s engine roared as it rolled over on its side at the CarFest event.
Shocked Chris, 57, managed to climb out of the vehicle and appeared anxious but unhurt nearby in the aftermath of the accident.
But two women passengers were seen with what appeared to be head injuries and one went to hospital for x-rays on a suspected broken limb.
Sources later confirmed the injuries were not serious and were handled by the on-site medical team at the fundraising festival at Laverstoke Farm, Hants, at 9.40am.
Chris runs the annual family car event in aid of Children In Need and was said to be concerned as he awaited news on the condition of the injured pair.
His tuk-tuk had been in a convoy of four or five vehicles parading at the start of the three-day festival, before punters arrived. They were said to be travelling at no more than 15mph.
An eye witness told The Sun: “Chris had done a lap of the circuit which had multicoloured balloons attached to it.
“He was clearly having fun but as soon as he locked the wheel and revved the engine the vehicle turned on its side and crashed.
“I saw Chris climb out – he was wearing a bright red top and sunglasses and his pale ginger hair was unmistakable. He seemed very concerned.
“He managed to push the vehicle back onto its wheels but it was clear people had been hurt.
“Paramedics arrived quickly and were tending the women, who appeared to have head wounds. There was blood but they were conscious.
“Chris clearly felt awful about what had happened and was pacing up and down shaking his head as medics gave first aid.”
Fellow former Top Gear host Richard Hammond, 53, was also at the event and was among anxious bystanders seen watching the aftermath of the accident.
The witness added: “Richard looked worried and stood among onlookers with his arms folded as medics worked on the women.
“It was a very unfortunate start to the day but hopefully no one has been too badly hurt.”
Another witness said as he took video after the crash said: “Oh my gosh – Chris Evans has just toppled the car and there’s people in there. There’s injuries.”
Chris presented the BBC’s Top Gear motoring show but quit after one series and became Virgin’s breakfast show star after leaving Radio 2 in 2018.
The petrol-head star’s CarFest events staged in Hampshire and Cheshire have raised more than £19million since he founded them in 2012.
Earlier this month he confirmed to Virgin listeners he had been diagnosed with skin cancer and was receiving treatment.
The star revealed on air he underwent a skin cancer test after he discovered concerning marks on his body before Christmas that year.
Chris said: “There’s this phrase called a malignant melanoma – that is a redundant phrase because if it is a melanoma it is malignant.
“But it’s been caught so early, just so you know, that it should be completely treatable.”
Richard Hammond famously cheated death in a 320mph smash in a Vampire jet car while filming a Top Gear stunt at York’s Elvington airfield in 2006.
A tyre blew out causing the car to spin out of control and crash, flipping upside down and leaving him in a coma.
The diminutive car star – who went on to host the Grand Tour series with Jeremy Clarkson and James May – recovered but has revealed he now fears dementia after suffering brain trauma.
Police and ambulance officials in Hampshire said yesterday they were not called to the CarFest event and played no role in the accident.
The woman with a suspected broken limb made her own way to hospital.
A CarFest spokesman said: “This morning at CarFest the tuk tuk which Chris Evans was driving overturned on the track as Chris changed direction.
“The two passengers on board had minor injuries and the CarFest on-site medical team attended to support.”
The popular music and motoring festival aims to raise funds for UK children’s charities through ticket sales.
This year, CarFest is supporting eight charities, including Young Epilepsy.
Chris Evans previously said: “CarFest has always been about helping those in need, and the fact thousands of people also get to enjoy one of the best weekends ever whilst doing so much good for so many others is a win-win.”
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