Demolition derby car ploughs into crowd, injuring nine
Thirteen people were injured, two critically, when a highway car crashed into a crowd at a demolition derby event in the state’s northwest on Saturday night.
A 54-year-old man with a spinal injury and a man in his 30s with a head injury were taken by helicopter to Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.
Previous demolition derby at Walcha Showground. The date of the painting is unknown.Credit: Walcha Show
The other 11 victims, aged between 20 and 75, were transported to hospitals in Armidale, Tamworth and Walcha; six were seriously injured.
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.
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.
from AAP
