Stirling Moss recovering after breaking ankles in fall down elevator shaft at home

Racing legend Stirling Moss is recovering after falling three floors down an elevator shaft in his Mayfair, England, home.

The 80-year-old broke both ankles in the fall, as well as four bones in his feet. He also suffered injuries to his vertebrae.

Paramedics transported Moss to Royal London Hospital, and according to a statement on his Web site, "With the assistance of former FIA medical delegate Professor Sid Watkins, he was moved to a hospital closer to home where he underwent surgery on both his ankles, which were plated and pinned."

The statement said Moss is "comfortable and recovering," and that "his immediate family were present with him at the time of the accident."

Moss fell down the elevator shaft after a malfunction caused the shaft doors to open before the elevator had arrived on Moss's floor. His recovery is expected to take about six weeks.

"This was a very unfortunate accident," said Moss' wife, Susie. "It could just as easily have been another member of the family stepping into where the lift should have been."

Moss was scheduled to part of a seminar at the Amelia Island Concours March 13. Carroll Shelby will replace Moss, joining fellow racers Richard Petty and Don Garlits on the panel that will be moderated by David Hobbs and Sam Posey.

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