Full Breakdown
Heroic Rescue at Shanghai Highlights Safety Gaps in China GT
9/8/2026, 4:20:37 AM
The Rescue on September 5, 2026
During the opening race of the 2026 China GT Championship at the Shanghai International Circuit, a multi-car collision on lap seven sent British driver Ollie Millroy’s Ferrari 296 GT3 into a blaze. With no marshals or fire crews on scene, 23-year-old Dutch racer Loek Hartog stopped his Porsche, exited, and used a fire extinguisher to suppress the flames. He pried open the cockpit and pulled Millroy to safety in roughly 49 seconds. Millroy was later taken to hospital with multiple injuries.
Injuries and Immediate Aftermath
Medical reports confirmed Millroy suffered five broken ribs, a broken collarbone, a broken hand and finger, and a bruised lung. He could not recall the moments before the crash or the hour afterward. The race was red-flagged and abandoned.
Data & Statistics
- Date: September 5, 2026
- Lap: 7th (season opener)
- Injuries: five broken ribs, broken collarbone, broken hand, broken finger, bruised lung (AAI Motorsport)
Official Statements & Responses
“We will further review and investigate the accident and formulate more comprehensive plans to address shortcomings in competition organisation, support, emergency response, rescue and medical services.” — China GT
AAI Motorsport condemned the delayed firefighting, noting the car burned for over a minute, and announced it would withdraw from all future China GT events until safety concerns are addressed.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact count of Millroy’s broken ribs: most list five, while the Independent cites six. Reports also vary on the precise response time of fire-fighting personnel, though all agree it exceeded one minute.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t remember anything between 30 seconds before the crash and one hour after it, but I will remember his incredible act of bravery for the rest of my life.” — Ollie Millroy
- “When I saw a car engulfed in a huge ball of fire in front of me, there wasn’t really a decision to be made. From what I could see, I naturally assumed the driver couldn’t get out on his own, so I stopped, got out and went over to the car. I never had any doubts.” — Loek Hartog
- “Thank you Loek. I owe you my life for your selfless act today.” — Ollie Millroy
- “We will further review and investigate the accident and formulate more comprehensive plans to address shortcomings in competition organisation, support, emergency response, rescue and medical services.” — China GT
What’s Next
The China GT organisers have confirmed an investigation into competition management, emergency response protocols and medical support, with no deadline announced. AAI Motorsport and other teams remain absent pending satisfactory safety reforms.
