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Breaking News

Actor Jason Priestly Seriously Injured in Racing Accident

Aired August 11, 2002 - 10:12   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: We're going to check in on a breaking story that we found out about just a few minutes ago. Actor Jason Priestly has been seriously injured in a racing accident in Kentucky. We're joined now by Mike Schmaltz, communications director for the Kentucky Speedway. Mike, thanks very much for being with us. What can you tell us about how the accident occurred?
MIKE SCHMALTZ, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, KENTUCKY RACING: There's no details. What I can tell you is Dr. Henry Bock (ph), he is the medical services director of the Indy Racing League just confirmed that Jason Priestly, the driver of the #7 (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Firestone seriously injured today in the Infiniti pro series practice session in Kentucky. Jason was transported by air to the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, and they'll release updates when available.

COOPER: What was the race that he was involved with?

SCHMALTZ: It's an Infiniti -- it's an Indy racing Infiniti pro series. It's a new developmental league that the Indy Racing League introduced this year.

COOPER: And how long had that race been going on?

SCHMALTZ: It hadn't started yet. It was a practice session.

COOPER: OK. So his -- did you know -- I mean, were you there, did you see what happened?

SCHMALTZ: I did not.

COOPER: You did not. Do you have any sense of how the accident occurred?

SCHMALTZ: No.

COOPER: OK.

SCHMALTZ: I don't have details on the rest of the incident at all.

COOPER: OK. And there is no exact sense of what condition Mr. Priestly is in?

SCHMALTZ: No. All we do know is that they'll be releasing updates on his condition when they're available. COOPER: All right. Mike Schmaltz, thanks very much for joining us, communications director for the Kentucky Speedway.

For those just joining us, actor Jason Priestly has been seriously injured in a racing accident in Kentucky. We do not know of his condition. He's been helicoptered to a hospital, to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington. We'll bring you updates as warranted.

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