Thirteen people were injured when a demolition derby car crashed into spectators at the Walcha Motorcycle Rally in New South Wales on Saturday evening. The driver, Steven Taylor, collided with another vehicle and ploughed into the crowd.
Emergency services airlifted two men to a regional hospital in serious but stable condition: one in his 50s with spinal and hip injuries, and another in his 30s with a head injury. The other 11 victims, aged between 20 and 75, were treated at local hospitals, with six suffering serious injuries.
The driver, 27, was treated for minor injuries and taken to hospital for mandatory testing. Police said the vehicle lost control after an on-track collision, broke through a barrier, and hit a mobile grandstand. The car has been seized for forensic inspection.
Northern Tablelands MP Brendan Moylan said nine people remained in hospital on Sunday but were recovering. Mayor Eric Noakes described a sombre mood in Walcha, saying the community's thoughts were with those affected. The Australian Demolition Derby Association vice president called it a 'freak accident'.
