Comedian Billy Connolly has spoken for the first time about a nasty road accident on Route 66 earlier this year, in which his motor trike rolled on top of him.
Connolly lost control of the powerful machine as he drove from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California in May, leaving him permanently scarred with a gashed leg and broken ribs.
“We came to the end of Route 66 and there was a [steep incline] with gravel. My bike has got three wheels and I went up and round.
“I was using cruise control on the throttle and it jammed on and I slipped the clutch. The trike came over on top of me and broke my rib.
The 68-year-old was forced to spend a week in hospital, nearly putting rest to his ITV documentary he was filming at the time.
Producer of the show Mark Downie said: “He had to rest up for a week and when he was strong enough he continued his journey.
“It took place about three-quarters of the way through filming on the border of New Mexico and Arizona.
“Billy was incredible about it. We spoke to him to see how he wanted to proceed. We gave him the option of finishing and going home but he was determined to continue. He didn’t complain at all.”
