Other than two fractured vertebrae in his spine, as well as concussion and a broken ankle, three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti is lucky to be alive after a horrific crash at the Houston Grand Prix.

The four-time Indy Car champion collided with ex-Formula 1 driver Takuma Sato, causing his car to become airborne and hit the catch-fencing on the side of the track.

In some respects, the accident was reminiscent of the fatal crash which claimed the life of his former team-mate Dan Wheldon at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2011.

But fortunately for the Scot, his car did not catch fire, although debris did cause injuries to 13 fans stationed in the stands behind the fence.  

(Sky News)