Michael Schumacher is in 'coma'

LYON: Michael Schumacher, the seven-time Formula One champion, is in a coma and remains in a “critical” condition after striking his head in a ski accident in the French Alps on Sunday, the hospital treating him said.

Schumacher dropped himself while skiing according to preliminary reports and was immediately transported to the hospital.

The hospital in the French city of Grenoble where he was admitted said that Schumacher was ”suffering a serious brain trauma with coma on his arrival, which required an immediate neurosurgical operation”.

The director of the resort where he was staying and skiing, said that Schumacher was wearing a helmet and was “conscious but a little agitated”, just after the accident.

However, it was only when the German slipped into a coma, that the alarm bells really rang and the doctors realized that the injuries were more serious than earlier feared.

According to the racer’s spokeswoman, the formula one champ was on a private visit to the city and was due to celebrate his 45th birthday this coming Friday.