IndyCar Driver Wheldon Dies in 15-Car Crash

Topics:  Dan Wheldon, IZOD IndyCar World Championship

VOA News
16 October 2011

British race car driver Dan Wheldon has died in a massive crash during an IndyCar race in the western U.S. city of Las Vegas.

The 33-year-old died of injuries he suffered after his car went sailing through the air during a 15-car wreck early in Sunday's race.

Wheldon was airlifted to a hospital following the crash just 12 laps into the 483-kilometer race. Three other drivers, including championship contender Will Power, were hurt in the pileup.

The remainder of the race was canceled.

Wheldon won the famed Indianapolis 500 race twice during his career, including this year.

IndyCar has not had a fatality since Paul Dana was killed in 2006.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.