30.06.2021

Platform failure at Racecourse

Two cameramen fell from the platform of a vehicle mounted lift at Hamilton Racecourse in Scotland yesterday.

From what we have learnt the two men, freelance cameramen, Robbie Cotgrave and Kit Campbell, working for RaceTech, were rehearsing around half an hour before the racecourse was due to open, when the basket levelling rod bent causing the platform to tilt, tipping them out from a height of around six or seven metres.

They apparently landed on the roof of the box van the lift is mounted on. One of the men was rushed to hospital, while the other was initially treated at the scene before also being taken. They both remain in hospital and are said to be in a stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.
Please register to see all images

A statement from RaceTech, which operates the cameras on the course, said: "Following a serious incident prior to the first race at Hamilton Park involving a mobile elevated camera platform, two freelance camera operators Robbie Cotgrave and Kit Campbell have been seriously injured and taken to hospital. Our thoughts and concerns are very much with our two colleagues at this time. A full investigation is underway into the cause of the incident.”

A statement from Scottish Fire and Rescue added: "Operations Control mobilised two appliances to the scene and using an aerial rescue pump firefighters rescued two male casualties who had fallen onto the roof of a vehicle before handing them into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service."

Hamilton Racecourse also put out a statement saying that due to a serious incident with one of the camera crews it was cancelling racing for the day.

UPDATE
Robbie Cotgrave was released on July 5th, while Campbell remains in hospital for further treatment.