Le Mans Disaster, 1955 83 people were killed and 120 were injured. This sporting tragedy is the most catastrophic accident in motor racing history. Pierre Levegh’s Mercedes crashed and blew up at 125mph, killing Levegh and sending debris flying in to the crowd. The debris included the bonnet, motor, and front axle, which separated from the frame and flew through the crowd. The bonnet decapitated tightly jammed spectators like a guillotine.