Australia: Thirteen people were injured, including two in critical condition, after a car veered off the track and ploughed into spectators during a demolition derby event in southeastern Australia, police confirmed.
The incident occurred in the town of Walcha, New South Wales, when a participating vehicle smashed through a fence and struck the grandstand during the annual Walcha Motorcycle Rally. Police said the car had just been involved in a collision on the track moments before the crash.
Authorities earlier reported nine injuries, but later updated the total to 13. The injured bystanders ranged in age from 20 to 75, with a 54-year-old man among those critically hurt. Nine people remained in hospital, but were recovering, according to Northern Tablelands MP Brendan Moylan.
Pixabay@Pexels | Cropped by BH
The Walcha Council said it was shocked and stunned by the accident and is cooperating with authorities to determine what led to the crash, noting that commenting further before the investigation concludes would be inappropriate.
Moylan thanked emergency responders and bystanders for their swift and incredibly professional work at the scene, while New England MP and former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce expressed that his thoughts, prayer and hopes were with those injured, calling it a sad end to such a great event.
The Walcha Motorcycle Rally is described by organisers as a grassroots gathering for motorcycle enthusiasts. An investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.
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