Missing an eye since his earlier accident, he was now also nearly deaf.
The earlier accident occurred a block away, and claimed the lives of three teenagers last year.
The earlier accidents, even if they happened, were minor and had no connection with the explosion, he said.
Rusty Wallace, who was second in points before the race, finished 25th because of an early accident.
Four laps later, Hamlin had moved to the 22nd position after his earlier accident.
It was in many ways a bigger version of four earlier accidents that had killed at least 18 people since 1985.
In the earlier accident, a car drove onto the closed bridge and struck the barrier, but did not fall into the water.
Kitchens started 26th, but an early accident sidetracked his run to a 27th place finish.
An early accident took the car out of the 500 early though.
Rivard had a wooden leg due to an earlier accident.