Fire Marshall Dies at Monza

A fire marshall at the Italian Grand Prix died on Sunday after suffering head and chest injuries when six cars collided in a first lap pile-up, organisers said.

"Monza hospital has informed that Mr Paolo Gislimberti dead in first aid following the serious injuries suffered," an English translation of a statement from the press office of the grand prix organisers read.

Gislimberti was hit in the head by a flying wheel, the Italian news agency ANSA reported. The marshall was given heart massage at the side of the track before being taken to hospital in Monza.

An earlier statement from the sport's governing body (FIA) said the fire marshall was in a "very critical condition" and was suffering from head and chest traumas and other injuries.

Six cars crashed out of the race at the second chicane, with debris - including several wheels - flying through the air and cars skidding out of control in thick smoke and dust.

Jordan's Heinz-Harald Frentzen appeared to hit team mate Jarno Trulli who then clipped out Ferrari's Ruben Barrichello and McLaren's David Coulthard.

Pedro de la Rosa's Arrows ploughed into the mayhem and the car cartwheeled high out of the smoke and dust. Miraculously the Spaniard was unhurt. The chicane had been modified for the Italian Grand Prix.