Swiss bobsledder Sandro Michel is recovering in hospital after being run over by a sled in training for this weekend’s World Cup race in Germany.
Michel was lying on the track after being thrown from a four-man sled when it crashed in Altenberg.
He was then run over by the sled, which Swiss Sliding said “was uncontrollably sliding back from the finish area”.
They added that brakeman Michel was taken to hospital by helicopter and is stable after surgery.
“Sandro Michel underwent surgery on his hip and thigh area at the University Hospital Dresden,” said a statement by Swiss Sliding, the sport’s national governing body.
“Michel, who also sustained chest injuries, is now stable. Further examinations will determine the extent of Sandro Michel’s injuries, including those to his chest.
“Pilot Michael Vogt suffered a severe concussion and bruises. The other pushers, Dominik Hufschmid and Andreas Haas, were also slightly injured.”
Swiss Sliding said it was up to their other teams if they wanted to continue training or compete at the World Cup event and that “an investigation into the cause of the accident has been initiated at the Altenberg bobsled track”.
The British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association (BBSA) said on Wednesday Britain’s Team Hall, led by pilot Brad Hall, had withdrawn from this weekend’s races.
In a post on social media, Team Hall called for an “overhaul of safety protocols”. A meeting of athletes is taking place on Friday.
“We appreciate that this decision has not been taken lightly and we stand with them in their desire to see positive change in our sport,” the BBSA said.
“The safety of our athletes – and indeed all athletes – remains paramount and we will engage with the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) to ensure that their concerns are listened to.”
In a statement, the IBSF said: “The IBSF is aware of the meeting of athletes on Friday. We always appreciate the open discussion within a stakeholder group and shall await the outcome of the meeting before we can give any further statement.
“We were notified last night by the BBSA team captain that Team Brad Hall has withdrawn but were not given any further reason for it.”