Serious speedway accident at Walcha

A NSW Police Media statement released on Sunday said an investigation is underway after thirteen people were injured – one critically – when a speedway car crashed at Walcha in the state’s west overnight.

“Emergency services were called to Walcha showground on Derby Street about 6.15pm on Saturday November 15, after a vehicle competing in a race crashed through a fence and hit a mobile grandstand,” said the police media statement.

“By-standers rendered assistance before NSW Ambulance paramedics took eight men and three women – aged between 20 and 75 – to Walcha District Hospital.

“Of those eleven people, a 54-year-old man suffered critical injuries and a 34-year-old man sustained serious head injuries.

“They were treated at the scene before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital where they remain in a stable condition.

“A 74-year-old man was treated for multiple fractures and internal injuries and airlifted to St George Hospital in a stable condition.

“A 48-year-old woman and two men – aged 54 and a 63 – were taken to Tamworth Hospital for minor injuries and have since been released.

“Another four people were taken to Armidale Hospital for treatment of minor injuries before being released.

“Two women later attended Walcha Hospital before they were taken to Armidale and Tamworth Hospital for minor injuries.

“Officers attached to Oxley Police District have been told the speedway car driver – a 27-year-old man – was involved in an on-track collision immediately before his vehicle crashed through the fence.

“He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for minor injuries and taken to Walcha Hospital for mandatory testing.

“Specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit attended and examined the scene as inquiriries continue.”

An investigation has commenced and police are appealing for anyone with vision of the
incident, or who has information relevant to the inquiry, to contact Tamworth Police or Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
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As part of a statement released on his Facebook page, Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan said: “I spoke with the Mayor Eric Noakes this morning and offered any support he or our community may need.

“Council continues to work closely with the relevant authorities as they look into what happened.

“Like everyone here, my thoughts and prayers are firmly with those who were injured.

“Thank you to the emergency services, volunteers and community members who rushed in to help, your care and quick actions made a real difference,” said Mr Moylan.