Nine people were injured, one critically, after a car crashed into a crowd during a demolition derby in southeastern Australia, police said. The car had been taking part in a race in the town of Walcha on Saturday night when it drove through a fence and hit the grandstand, New South Wales police said in a statement. The race, part of the annual Walcha Motorcycle Rally, had featured a demolition derby, a type of motorsport where drivers ram their vehicles into one another. Police reported that the ages of the injured bystanders ranged from 20 to 75, with a 54-year-old man in critical condition. An investigation is currently underway.
Police disclosed that the 27-year-old driver of the car had been involved in a collision on the track right before the incident occurred. In a statement shared on the Walcha Motorcycle Rally's Facebook page, the Walcha Council expressed shock and concern over the unfortunate accident, pledging to cooperate with authorities to investigate the circumstances leading to it. They indicated that making comments prior to concluding inquiries would be "inappropriate."
Brendan Moylan, a member of parliament for Northern Tablelands, where Walcha is located, commended the emergency responders and onlookers for their prompt and professional actions at the scene. He shared his thoughts for those affected on Facebook. Barnaby Joyce, former deputy prime minister and current New England lawmaker, also expressed his condolences, noting the tragic end to what was supposed to be a celebratory event. The Walcha Motorcycle Rally is known as a grassroots gathering for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Police disclosed that the 27-year-old driver of the car had been involved in a collision on the track right before the incident occurred. In a statement shared on the Walcha Motorcycle Rally's Facebook page, the Walcha Council expressed shock and concern over the unfortunate accident, pledging to cooperate with authorities to investigate the circumstances leading to it. They indicated that making comments prior to concluding inquiries would be "inappropriate."
Brendan Moylan, a member of parliament for Northern Tablelands, where Walcha is located, commended the emergency responders and onlookers for their prompt and professional actions at the scene. He shared his thoughts for those affected on Facebook. Barnaby Joyce, former deputy prime minister and current New England lawmaker, also expressed his condolences, noting the tragic end to what was supposed to be a celebratory event. The Walcha Motorcycle Rally is known as a grassroots gathering for motorcycle enthusiasts.
