Accident: Collision with Jose Antonio Rueda
The serious accident occurred during the sighting lap of the Moto3 race in Sepang. Jose Antonio Rueda, the current Moto3 world champion from Spain, crashed into the rear of Dettwiler’s slow-moving machine at high speed. The force of the impact threw Dettwiler from his motorcycle. Both riders suffered serious injuries as a result of the collision. According to his father Andy, Dettwiler suffered multiple cardiac arrests and lost a significant amount of blood. The doctors treating him fought to save his life. In addition to severe internal injuries, his spleen had to be removed and his lungs intubated. He also underwent surgery for an open fracture in his leg.
Rueda was not spared either. According to his team, Red Bull KTM Ajo, he suffered cardiac arrest on the track and was immediately given emergency medical treatment. Rueda also suffered fractures to his hand and underwent surgery in Barcelona. During the operation, plates were inserted into his thumb, two metacarpal bones, and the base of his radius.
Medical developments and further treatment
Despite initially life-threatening injuries, Noah Dettwiler’s health has shown significant improvement in recent days. On Friday after the accident, the CIP Green Power team rider regained consciousness and was able to leave the intensive care unit a few days later. The doctors treating him in Kuala Lumpur finally gave the green light for his transfer to Switzerland.
A Swiss Air rescue team coordinated the details for the medical repatriation on Wednesday. The arrival in Zurich is planned for Thursday evening. Immediately after landing, Dettwiler will be transferred to a clinic, where further surgery on his leg is planned. The rehabilitation phase will then begin.
Dettwiler’s parents and sister have also been in Kuala Lumpur since October 27. They will fly back together with Noah. The CIP Green Power team and the family were relieved about the positive developments and thanked the medical staff in Malaysia and the Swiss crew for their support in ensuring a safe return home.
Conclusion
Noah Dettwiler and Jose Antonio Rueda both suffered serious injuries in the accident in Sepang. After intensive treatment, both riders are now on the road to recovery. For Dettwiler, the next phase of his recovery will begin after his return to Switzerland.
