Ollie Millroy Crash: Loek Hartog Rescues Rival Driver During China GT Race
British driver Ollie Millroy narrowly escaped death in a fiery China GT crash thanks to the heroic actions of rival Loek Hartog. On Saturday, September 5, 2026, Hartog, 23, courageously pulled the 36-year-old Millroy from his blazing Ferrari after a collision at the Shanghai circuit.
A horrific crash during the opening race of the China GT season in Shanghai on Saturday, September 5, 2026, saw British driver Ollie Millroy miraculously pulled from his burning Ferrari by heroic rival Loek Hartog. The life-saving intervention by the Dutch racer unfolded after Millroy's car was engulfed in flames, prompting an outpouring of gratitude from the injured driver and raising serious questions about safety protocols within the competition. F1 Qualifying: Pierre Gasly Secures Shock Pole For Italian GP 2026.
Ollie Millroy’s Ferrari Catches Fire After Crash
A Ferrari caught fire during a massive crash in China’s GT series. 🔥🏁
Driver Ollie Millroy was unconscious inside — until Porsche driver Loek Hartog stopped and pulled him from the burning car.
A true racing hero. 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/TS26krWkmm
— Car Home (@CarHome007) September 5, 2026
Ollie Millroy Thanks Loek Hartog After Being Rescued From Burning Ferrari
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Courage Under Fire: Hartog's Decisive Actions
The terrifying incident occurred approximately 20 minutes into the Shanghai race when Millroy's Ferrari was struck heavily from the side following a collision involving two other cars. His vehicle immediately burst into flames, red-flagging the race. With safety marshals initially unable to respond, 23-year-old Loek Hartog, a fellow competitor, stopped his own car and ran towards the blazing wreckage. Hartog described the scene, saying, "When I saw a car turning into a huge fireball far ahead, there wasn’t really a decision to make." He quickly hauled off part of a door, grabbed a fire extinguisher from a nearby official, and doused the flames as best he could before courageously pulling the 36-year-old Millroy from the opposite side of the wreck.
Ollie Millroy's Gratitude and Recovery
Millroy, who was aided to the side of the track before being hospitalised, is currently being treated for multiple fractures and a bruised lung. In an emotional Instagram post, he expressed profound gratitude to his rescuer. "I owe my life to you," Millroy wrote. "Loek Hartog stopped instantly with no flag marshals or fire crews in sight, and risked his own life to get me out of the car. I don’t remember anything between 30 seconds before the crash and 1 hour after it, but … I will remember his incredible act of bravery for the rest of my life." Millroy detailed his injuries: "I’m laying here tonight with 5 broken ribs, broken collar bone, broken hand and finger and a bruised lung, but it could have been much worse. Thank you Loek." He also vowed to tell his children about "the biggest superhero in history."
Team Raises Safety Concerns
The race did not resume after the catastrophic crash. Millroy's team, FIST Auto, has announced that they will not participate in future China GT races until their safety concerns are thoroughly discussed with the organisers. In a scathing statement, the team said, "It is particularly distressing that during the live broadcast, the organisers did not verify the situation on the scene, and hastily said the drivers left the cars on their own. The actual situation is: our driver was rescued from the burning car by Loek Hartog, regardless of his own safety. We pay our highest respect to Loek for his heroic act of giving himself up to save others." Lando Norris Extends McLaren F1 Contract Until 2030.
Organisers Pledge Review
In response to the incident and the criticism, the organisers of the China GT admitted "shortcomings" in a statement released after the abandoned race. They pledged a comprehensive review: "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."
The harrowing events of Saturday’s China GT race highlight the inherent dangers of motor sport and the extraordinary acts of heroism that can emerge in moments of crisis. While Ollie Millroy faces a long recovery, the focus remains on acknowledging Loek Hartog's unparalleled bravery and ensuring enhanced safety measures for all competitors in future events.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2026 11:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
