LOS ANGELES (US) – Golf legend Tiger Woods was admitted to hospital on Tuesday in Los Angeles after suffering severe leg injuries in a car accident. His vehicle careened off a road and rolled down a hillside. Authorities said rescue workers had to pry him from the site of the wreck.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said in a media briefing that his injuries are not life threatening, adding that Woods was conscious and could communicate to rescue workers.
When Woods was assessed by emergency workers at the scene of the mishap, there was no evidence of driver impairment, said the sheriff. No blood samples were taken by investigators after he was rushed to the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
One of the most well-known figures in the world of sports, Woods was the only occupant of the car when it met with an accident at 7:12 am near the suburban community of Rolling Hills Estates, said the department of the sheriff.
Sheriff’s deputy Carlos Gonzales, who first appeared on the scene, said the sportsman was wearing his seatbelt and appeared calm and lucid. He said he immediately recognised the golfing great after Woods told the officer his name was “Tiger.”
He suffered severe leg injuries and was initially listed in serious by stable condition, said Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby. A CNN report said Woods suffered compound fractures to his legs.
Woods’ agent Mark Steinberg told Golf Digest magazine that the winner of 15 major championships was undergoing surgery. The real cause of the mishap is still being probed.
Video footage from the site showed Woods’ dark grey 2021 Genesis SUV badly crumpled and lying on its side at the bottom of the hill and its windows were smashed.