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Andrew Flintoff's son speaks out as new details emerge about accident

Andrew Flintoff, pictured here wife Rachael and children Holly, Corey and Rocky.
Andrew Flintoff wife Rachael and children Holly, Corey and Rocky. Image: Getty

Andrew Flintoff's son has provided new details about his father's accident while filming Top Gear, making the staggering admission that the English cricket hero is 'lucky to be alive'. Flintoff was airlifted to hospital on Tuesday after he was involved in an accident while at the Top Gear test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey.

Speaking to the Daily Mail on Wednesday, Flintoff's 16-year-old son Corey said the incident has shaken the family. Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff reportedly suffered a broken rib and facial injuries in the accident.

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"He's OK. I'm not too sure what happened but he is lucky to be alive," he said. "It was a pretty nasty crash. It is shocking. We are all shocked but just hope he's going to be OK."

Meanwhile, Flintoff's friend and broadcaster Piers Morgan told talkSPORT that the accident was more serious than initially thought. "I'm told it was a pretty serious crash and that Freddie's going to be OK, but it might be a little bit more serious than first appreciated," he said.

"I'm told he's going to be OK which is great news, but I'm also told it was a pretty nasty bang and that he's had surgery and is recovering now and we'll have to wait and see. I've been in contact with them privately, but I just want to wish him and his family, Rachael his wife, all the very best and I think we're all just keeping our fingers crossed that the big man comes through alright."

Flintoff was reportedly injured while being asked about his opinion on a specific car for a review segment. A BBC spokesperson said: “Freddie was injured in an accident at the Top Gear test track this morning – with crew medics attending the scene immediately. He has been taken to hospital for further treatment and we will confirm more details in due course.”

A source told The Sun: “He was driving on the track as normal. He wasn’t going at high speeds - it was just an accident that could happen to anyone.

“All the usual health and safety measures were in place for filming too. Freddie was taken to hospital by air ambulance shortly afterwards. His injuries are not life-threatening and he is receiving treatment. Filming has been postponed for now and all anyone cares about is Freddie recovering.”

Andrew Flintoff, pictured here in action for the Brisbane Heat in the BBL in 2015.
Andrew Flintoff in action for the Brisbane Heat in the BBL in 2015. (Photo by Robert Prezioso - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images/Getty Images) (Cricket Australia via Getty Imag)

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The retired Test all-rounder has worked on Top Gear since 2019. In February of that year he was involved in a minor accident when he crashed into a market stall in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.

In September of 2019 he was involved in another crash while driving a three-wheel vehicle at a reported speed of 200km/h at Elvington Airfield in Yorkshire. However he managed to walk away from the scary incident unharmed.

Flintoff played 79 Test matches and 141 one-day internationals for England before retiring from international cricket in 2009. He scored 3845 runs at Test level at an average of 31.77, while also taking 226 wickets. The 45-year-old is regarded as one of the finest all-rounders England has ever produced.

He was named man of the series in the iconic 2005 Ashes series against Australia after his heroic efforts in helping England win the urn for the first time in 18 years. Despite this he became a fan favourite in Australia when he played for the Brisbane Heat in the 2014-15 season of the Big Bash League.

He then turned to commentary and further endeared himself to Aussie audiences with his brilliant insight and impersonations. His popularity in Australia saw him win the first series of the Aussie version of reality TV show 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!'.

Cricket fans and fellow players have been sending their well-wishes to Flintoff on social media.

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