Rookie driver Tom Blomqvist caused a chaotic multi-car crash on the opening lap of the Indianapolis 500, following a rain delay of four hours. Blomqvist, who started in the 25th position, encountered trouble as his No. 66 Meyer Shank Racing Honda drifted under the white line and made contact with the curbing, resulting in the back end of his car snapping around and igniting a chain reaction of collisions.

Defending champion Marcus Ericsson, starting in 32nd place with a backup car, had a strong start and was running in a higher lane approaching Turn 1. Unfortunately, his No. 28 Andretti Global Honda collided with Blomqvist's spinning machine, causing both cars to come to a halt in the short chute between Turns 1 and 2.

In the aftermath of the incident, Pietro Fittipaldi in the No. 30 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda attempted to avoid the chaos. However, he ended up making wheel-to-wheel contact with Callum Ilott, who had started from the rear of the field due to a mechanical issue with his No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet during the pace laps.

Expressing his frustration, Ericsson, upon being released from the infield care center, shared, "I can't believe it. It's unbelievable. It's so frustrating. We put in so much effort. The team did an exceptional job rebuilding the car. We fought hard all last weekend, all week, and then this happens. I can't believe it."

Equally dismayed, a disappointed Blomqvist said, "Yeah, I'm just so disappointed for the guys. I hadn't made a single mistake all month, and then a scenario like that at the start, just getting too low, I think, and clipping the curb...spun me around. I'm devastated for everyone involved in that mess. What matters most is that everyone is alright."

While Ilott was able to continue racing, Blomqvist, Ericsson, and Fittipaldi were left with an early retirement from the race. The incident served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of racing and the importance of maintaining focus in high-pressure situations.

The Indianapolis 500 was further impacted by the delay caused by rain, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the race. As the event progresses, drivers and teams will aim to regroup and recover from this early setback, hoping for a safer and more successful rest of the race.