Team personnel injured in horrific post race fire

As the post race celebrations were carried out after Pastor Maldonado’s superlative victory during the Spanish Grand Prix, a horrific fire engulfed the Williams garage as total mayhem ensued within the pits and paddock.

With thick black smoke wafting through the pits and paddock, accompanied by an acrid smell, team personnel from all corners of the paddock were united in dousing out the deadly flames. As live pictures of the commotion were broadcast live from the track, emergency services rushed to the scene. However, a quick response from team personnel were able to put out the fire as ambulances, police, and fire engines rolled down the pit-lane.

Williams have now confirmed that four members of the team were injured during the blaze, with three currently remaining in local hospitals due to their injuries. The fourth has been released, whereas four further team members from Caterham have been sent to the tracks medical facilities for examination, one with a minor hand injury in comparison to the others who have respiratory issues.

The flames first originated from the fuel area of the garage, with team personnel still within the garage celebrating Williams’ first race victory since 2004. The team are currently working together with the emergency services to try and determine the source of the fire.

These events have somewhat marred what was a glorious birthday gift for Sir Frank Williams, who turned 70 last month. It was also the first time a Williams car had won from pole position since the 2003 German Grand Prix, when Juan Pablo Montoya won for the team.

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