Demolition derby car ploughs into crowd, two critical

Thirteen people have been injured, including two listed as critical, after a speedway car crashed into the crowd at a demolition derby event in the state’s north-west on Saturday night.

A 54-year-old man with spinal injuries and a man in his 30s with a head injuries were taken by helicopter to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle in critical conditions.

A previous demolition derby at the Walcha Showground. The date of the image is unknown.Credit: Walcha Show

The 11 other victims, aged between 20 and 75, were transported to hospitals in Armidale, Tamworth and Walcha; six had serious injuries.

The incident unfolded about 6.15pm at the Walcha showground, about 90km east of Tamworth, where the Walcha Motorcycle Rally is taking place across the weekend.

Police say a vehicle competing in the derby crashed through a fence and hit a mobile grandstand where crowds were watching. As emergency services rushed to the scene, bystanders stepped in to administer first aid.

Witnesses told police the 27-year-old driver of the speedway car was involved in a crash on the show ring moments before ploughing through the fence.

The annual Walcha Motorcycle Rally is held across two days, this year on November 14 and 15, and features a range of motorcycle-based events and competitions, including Postie Bike Soccer and Dirt Bike Barrel races, as well as other motor contests such as the demolition derby.

with AAP

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