IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who won the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011 and who drove for sponsors including Target, has died following a fiery 15-vehicle accident at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. His vehicle had flown over another and crashed into the wall. Wheldon was 33-years-old.

The massive accident, which left debris across the track and along the barrier, triggered a red flag. Three additional drivers were left injured. Most only learned of Wheldon’s death at a meeting two hours following the crash, which many described as the worst they’ve ever seen.

Drivers had been concerned about the high speeds at the track, where they were hitting nearly 225 mph during practice.

Their concerns became reality when contact on Turn 2 sent cars flying through the air, crashing into each other and into the outside wall and catch fence.

Danica Patrick described the accident as “like a movie scene” with “debris everywhere across the whole track”. Ryan Briscoe described it as “like a war scene”. The race was ended and drivers planned a 5-lap drive in his honor.

Absolutely awful situation. Rest in peace, Dan Wheldon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.