Justin Wilson: IndyCar Driver In Coma After Being First One Hit In Crash [Video]

Justin Wilson, an IndyCar driver who was competing in a Pennsylvania race Sunday night, is in a coma after suffering a “severe head injury” after flying debris from a crash hit him. The incident happened at ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway, Sports Illustrated reports.

The debris that hit Wilson came from Sage Karam’s car, who lost control of his car while in the lead. He apparently lost control of the racecar, it spun around, and hit head-first into a wall. Justin Wilson, the other IndyCar driver who was driving behind, was hit by the flying debris. He then lost control of his car and also crashed. He hit an interior wall that was reportedly covered by a SAFER barrier. The injured driver was airlifted to nearby Lehigh Valley Health Network hospital in Allentown.

Karam, on the other hand, walked away from the accident and suffered a right foot injury. He was examined at the same hospital that Wilson was taken to.

Although Wilson, 37, was injured, the race was delayed, but continued under caution.

According to Westword, Wilson is fighting for his life. The site also notes the British racer’s website describes him as a “racer’s racer.” His website reads that he “has shown on tracks around the world that the British-born racer ranks among the elite racing drivers. Victories in IndyCar and IMSA United SportsCar competition speak to his incredible versatility, with Wilson having adapted to oval competition from his Formula 1 background.”

The site also noted that Justin Wilson began the IndyCar race on Sunday at over 200 mph, stating that at “seventh on the grid with an average speed of 219.685 mph on his two flying laps in the Andretti machine.”

Following the crash, Verizon IndyCar Series released a statement.

“Wilson sustained a severe head injury during today’s event at Pocono Raceway.

Wilson is currently in a coma and in critical condition while undergoing further evaluation at Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital in Allentown, Pa.

IndyCar sends its thoughts and prayers to Justin, his family and Andretti Autosport during this difficult time.

Additional updates to Wilson’s condition will be released when available. “

IndyCar transported Wilson’s wife from their home in Longmont, Colorado, to Allenstown to be with him.

Wilson is from Sheffield, England, and has competed in six Andretti Autosport races in 2015. He’s been an IndyCar racer for eight years.

Hopefully, more updates on Justin Wilson will come from IndyCar later today.

[Photo by Robert Laberge / Getty Images]