Paul Rees, the former Top Gear driver known as The Stig, has revealed the shocking details of the 2022 car crash that left him with a broken back and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The incident, which occurred at Surrey's Dunsfold Aerodrome while filming Top Gear with presenter Freddie Flintoff, has left Rees with life-long physical and emotional scars.
Rees, 41, was in the car with Flintoff when it flipped, and he claims he 'genuinely felt like we were going to potentially die' due to the lack of protection. He alleges that the BBC did not listen to his concerns about the safety of the manoeuvre and that he was asked to join Flintoff in the vehicle despite having highlighted the risks.
Rees told The Sun that he still has 'no idea' how he survived the crash, considering the three-wheeler vehicle had no roof and he was wearing no helmet. He described the moment they hit the road as 'terrifying', with his vision going red due to blood from Flintoff's face spray.
Rees' allegations come as he sues the BBC for damages, claiming an excess of £100,000. The broadcaster has strenuously denied any negligence, stating that the manoeuvre was not unacceptably dangerous and that Rees had expressed no concerns about driving the Morgan. However, Rees claims that he was rushed to hospital after a two-hour wait, with a solo medic on site telling him 'I'm not equipped for this.'
The incident has left both Rees and Flintoff with PTSD, with Flintoff recalling that he was conscious throughout the crash and remembers everything about it. Rees' lawsuit is now before the courts, with the BBC defending itself against claims of negligence.