Demolition derby car ploughs into crowd, injuring nine
Nine people were injured, including one person in critical condition, after a highway crashed into a crowd at the demolition derby in the state’s northwest on Saturday night.
A 54-year-old man in a critical condition with spinal injuries and three others with serious injuries were expected to be airlifted from Walcha in the Northern Downs to major hospitals overnight.
Previous demolition derby at Walcha Showground. The date of the painting is unknown.Credit: Walcha Show
The incident occurred at around 6.15pm at the Walcha showground, about 90km east of Tamworth, where the Walcha Motorcycle Rally was held at the weekend.
Police said that a vehicle competing in the derby went over the fence and crashed into a mobile tribune watched by the crowd. While emergency service teams arrived at the scene, surrounding citizens provided first aid.
Witnesses told police that the 27-year-old driver of the highway vehicle was involved in a crash at the showground before going over the fence.
Seven men and two women, aged between 20 and 75, were transported to Walcha District Hospital.
A NSW Ambulance spokesman said the critically injured man suffered a spinal cord injury.
The annual Walcha Motorcycle Rally is held over two days on 14 and 15 November this year and hosts a number of motorcycle-based events and competitions, including Postie Bike Soccer and Dirt Bike Barrel races, as well as other motor competitions such as the demolition derby.
