A 31-year-old driver is intubated in intensive care after a crash at the 2nd Agrinio Hill Climb

Vehicle excursion at the second corner

The second edition of the Agrinio Hill Climb, known in Greece as the 2nd Ανάβαση Αγρινίου, was disrupted on Sunday, 4 October 2026, after a severe racing crash occurred during the event. The accident happened around midday as competitors were completing their runs along the designated hill course. A 31-year-old racing driver native to Agrinio was piloting his competition car along the uphill route when he lost control of the vehicle. As the car approached the second turn of the course, it veered off its intended path and exited the roadway completely. The vehicle came to a halt outside the road boundaries, leaving the driver trapped inside the cabin and prompting an immediate emergency response from trackside teams.

Extrication by emergency services and initial triage

Following the crash at the second corner, emergency personnel stationed at the event mobilised rapidly to assist the driver. Units from the Hellenic Fire Service were dispatched to the exact location of the accident to carry out an extrication operation. Rescue personnel worked on the damaged racing car to free the 31-year-old competitor from the vehicle interior. Once safely extracted from the cockpit, the driver was received by emergency medical technicians from the National Emergency Aid Centre (EKAB). The ambulance crew initiated emergency care on site before transporting the injured driver to the General Hospital of Agrinio for urgent clinical assessment and stabilization.

Diagnosis of head trauma and transfer to Arta ICU

Upon admission to Agrinio Hospital, medical staff assessed the full extent of the injuries sustained during the off-track impact. Physicians diagnosed the 31-year-old driver with severe craniocerebral injuries, indicating substantial trauma to the head and brain. Given the critical nature of his condition and the need to secure his vital functions, doctors made the decision to intubate the patient immediately. Because specialized intensive care was necessary for his neurological trauma, hospital authorities arranged an urgent transfer to the Intensive Care Unit of the General Hospital of Arta. He was subsequently admitted to the Arta ICU, where he remains intubated under continuous medical monitoring in critical condition.

Suspension of the racing event and investigation

The severe accident led to the immediate interruption of the 2nd Agrinio Hill Climb sporting programme. Race officials halted all on-track proceedings to allow emergency vehicles, firefighters, and medical personnel unobstructed access to the course and to clear the crash area at the second turn. The competitive schedule remained suspended following the driver's emergency evacuation. Meanwhile, authorities and event organisers opened an investigation into the incident to establish the exact conditions that led the racing car to veer off course. Inquiries are examining the circumstances surrounding the second corner at the time the driver lost control of the car.