 Olympics death investigation complete, Whistler Sliding Centre reopens after Nodar Kumaritashvili crash (video, photos)
On February 12, 2010 a fatal crash took place on the Whistler Sliding Centre track as Nodar Kumaritashvili lost control during a practice run for the luge competition of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
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The Georgian athlete slid off the rail, and lost his life after crashing into an unbuffered post at approximately 89 miles per hour. An investigation was conducted to determine the safety of the track before additional Olympic competitions would take place. Slideshow: Olympics 2010 Opening Ceremony dedicated to Nodar Kumaritashvili (photos and videos)
According to a statement released by VANOC (Vancouver Organizing Committee) and the FIL (International Luge Federation) the investigation into the death of Nodar Kumaritashvili has been completed. The Coroners Service of British Columbia concluded the investigation after working in conjunction with Royal Canadian Mounted Police and sent their findings to the FIL (International Luge Federation). The FIL determined that the track would be reopened on Saturday.
The report determined that Nodar Kumaritashvili came out late on curve 15 and did not compensate properly to make the proper entrance into curve 16. Due to this error, Nodar Kumaritashvili lost control which resulted in the tragic and fatal accident. The report also determined that the accident was a result of miscalculation by Nodar Kumaritashvili and not due to any defects with the Whistler Sliding Centre track.
Though the findings determined that the track was not at fault, the FIL determined that they would raise the walls at the exit of curve 16 and changed the ice profile. These additional steps were taken as a result of the investigation and to prevent another tragedy such as that occurred with Nodar Kumaritashvili. Prime Writer News Network Topic: Olympics
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