During the Dutch Grand Prix at the Circuit Zandvoort, British racing driver Roger Williamson experienced a catastrophic accident. After the race began, he competed fiercely until a suspected tire failure led his car to lose control. This loss of control resulted in his vehicle crashing into the barriers at an alarming speed, flipping over and catching fire upon impact. Williamson was trapped inside his burning car while fellow racers, particularly David Purley, rushed to his aid. Purley's brave and determined efforts to turn over the wreck and pull Williamson to safety were ultimately in vain as the fire proved too fierce. Tragically, Williamson succumbed to his injuries at the scene, marking a significant and somber moment in motorsport history.

In the aftermath of this incident, there was a heightened awareness and scrutiny regarding the safety protocols within the sport. The devastating nature of Williamson’s accident led to discussions about the design of race cars, the safety equipment provided to drivers, and the responses of rescue teams at racetracks. Although changes took time, Williamson's crash ultimately highlighted critical areas that needed addressing to protect drivers in high-speed situations. The horror of the incident fundamentally altered perspectives towards racing safety regulations and emergency procedures at Grand Prix events.