Well-known golfer Tiger Woods has been hospitalised after a car accident. He suffered multiple injuries after his sports utility vehicle went off the road and rolled over. The incident took place around 7:12 am, and while the sportsman was believed to be alert and communicative in the wake of the accident, he had to be pulled out through the windshield and the jaws of life tool had to be used.
"The airbags went off, and the inside of the vehicle stayed basically intact, which gave him a cushion to survive the crash," Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said. Both his legs were seriously injured, county Fire Chief Daryl Osby said. According to reports he has since undergone leg surgery at the Harborview Hospital.
Woods was alone in the SUV on Tuesday when it crashed into a raised median, crossed two oncoming lanes, and rolled several times, authorities said at a news conference. Authorities said they checked for any odour of alcohol or other signs that he was under the influence of a substance and found none. They didn't say how fast he was driving, although they have suggested that the speed was "greater than normal."
According to a Los Angeles Times article that quotes the sheriff, Woods is "lucky to be alive." According to reports, he had a shattered ankle and two leg fractures including a compound one. While Woods had stepped somewhat away from golf after a series of back and knee injuries in recent years, many worry that this could only add to the problem. Besides his previous back surgeries, he'd also had four surgeries on his left knee, including a major reconstruction after he won the 2008 US Open.
Following the news, prayers and messages have come in from various quarters. "Sending my prayers to Tiger Woods and his family tonight—here’s to a speedy recovery for the GOAT of golf. If we’ve learned anything over the years, it’s to never count Tiger out," tweeted former US President Barack Obama.
"Fight Tiger Woods like the champion you are for your kids and the world. Love and prayers," tweeted Mike Tyson.
