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 stated.
The race was part of the annual Walcha Motorcycle Rally, which featured a demolition derby—a motorsport where drivers intentionally collide vehicles with one another.
Authorities reported that injuries among the bystanders ranged from ages 20 to 75, with the critically injured individual being a 54-year-old man. An investigation has been initiated.
According to police, the 27-year-old driver of the car had experienced a collision on the track prior to the incident.
In a statement from the Walcha Motorcycle Rally's Facebook page, the Walcha Council expressed shock and concern over the incident. They confirmed they would collaborate with authorities to investigate the accident comprehensively.
Brendan Moylan, a member of the local parliament, praised emergency responders for their prompt and professional actions at the scene, while Barnaby Joyce, a former Deputy Prime Minister, offered prayers for those affected by the crash.
The Walcha Motorcycle Rally is characterized as a grassroots event aimed at motorcycle enthusiasts.
