Thirteen people were injured when a demolition derby car crashed into a crowd during an event in Walcha, a town in southeastern Australia. The incident occurred on Saturday night during the annual Walcha Motorcycle Rally, where a demolition derby race was being held as part of the festivities. According to New South Wales police, the competing vehicle broke through a fence after a collision on the track and struck the grandstand, injuring spectators ranging in age from twenty to seventy five. Two individuals were critically hurt, including a fifty four year old man, while several others were taken to hospital for treatment. Police confirmed that they are investigating the circumstances that led to the crash and the actions of the twenty seven year old driver involved.
Local leaders and authorities expressed shock in the aftermath of the accident. The Walcha Council released a statement saying it was stunned by the event and would cooperate fully with investigators to understand what caused the vehicle to leave the track and enter the spectator area. The council also stressed that providing further comment before inquiries were complete would be inappropriate. The rally, known as a grassroots gathering for motorcycle enthusiasts, had drawn a significant crowd, many of whom were left shaken by the sudden and unexpected crash.
Messages of support for the victims quickly followed from public officials. Northern Tablelands member of parliament Brendan Moylan said that nine people remained in hospital but were recovering, and he thanked emergency responders and bystanders for their rapid and professional actions. Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce also expressed his sympathy, offering his thoughts and hopes to those hurt in the accident and calling it a tragic end to an otherwise positive community event. The investigation into the incident is continuing as police work to determine what happened on the track moments before the car entered the grandstand.
