The 1955 Le Mans disaster was one of the darkest days in motorsport history.
On June 11, 1955, during the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race at the Circuit de la Sarthe, a catastrophic crash unfolded, killing 83 spectators and driver Pierre Levegh, while injuring nearly 180 others. The incident shocked the world and brought unprecedented scrutiny to motor racing, forever changing the sport's approach to safety.
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The devastating race featured some of the most elite drivers and teams of the era, including the Jaguar and Mercedes teams. The competition was fierce, with cars pushing the limits on a track layout that prioritized speed over safety. What should have been a thrilling showcase of engineering and skill turned into an unimaginable tragedy.