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A demolition derby car driver blacked out while behind the wheel when he ploughed into the crowd at a country speedway in north-west NSW.
NSW Ambulance confirmed on Sunday that of the 13 spectators injured, two were airlifted by helicopter to Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition, including a 54-year-old man with spinal and hip injuries, and a man in his 30s with head trauma. They are now in a stable condition.
All but two of the other 11 patients aged between 30 and 75 were transported to hospitals in Armidale, Tamworth and Walcha; six had serious injuries but were in stable conditions.
A shocked Blake Taylor took to Facebook on Sunday morning to reveal harrowing details about the crash involving his brother Steven, 27, a fellow member of ‘Tha Boyz’ demolition derby team.
His brother had been competing in the derby when he hit a rival’s car during the race and then smashed through the fence, hitting a grandstand and tree at ’70 clicks, top speed’.
‘My brother Steven has hit a car in the middle of the field,’ an emotional Blake explained.
‘As he’s gone to drive forward, he’s blacked out … his foot has been wedged hard on the accelerator to the point that Steven has not stopped.
Harrowing new details about the demolition derby crash which injured 13 spectators has emerged after Steven Taylor (his car circled) blacked out behind the wheel and ploughed into the crowd at Walcha showgrounds in north-west NSW
‘He’s come through the fence down here. This grandstand here was full of people.’
Shocked witnesses braved the pouring rain as they rendered first aid and held up tarpaulins to protect the injured, including Taylor.
‘As the first person got to him, apparently he was slumped right over on the floor, he’s tried to jump up and put the thing in reverse, everyone’s told him to stop,’ his brother recalled.
The crash scene was still strewn with debris the next morning.
‘I just wish this never happened,’ Blake said.
‘I don’t wish this upon anyone.’
His brother suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Despite having grown up in the sport, Blake doesn’t believe that either he or his brother will to able to ever compete again.
‘I hope this is an eyeopener to the rest of the world towards safety in the demolition world,’ he said.
In a video on Facebook, Blake Taylor revealed the aftermath of the crash, filming the debris on the sidelines after his brother smashed his car through the fence
The Walcha Motorcycle Rally is a popular annual event that draws motorsport enthusiasts from across the region, featuring bike shows and stunt displays
‘It’s still shaking me up. It’s definitely not a good feeling.’
‘We’re here to put on a show, not hurt people.’
The Walcha Motorcycle Rally is a popular annual event that draws motorsport enthusiasts from across the region, featuring bike shows and stunt displays.
One of the event highlights is the demolition derby.
Community leaders thanked the efforts of emergency responders as they expressed their prayers for the injured victims and their families.
‘Thank you so much to the ambos, fire and rescue, the police, the SES, bystanders and everyone involved for their swift and incredibly professional work at the scene,’ Northern Tablelands state MP Brendan Moylan said.
‘Like all of us, my thoughts are with everyone affected.’
Local federal Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce added: ‘My thoughts, prayers and hopes are with those now in critical care after the incident at Walcha.’
‘Thank you to all the off-duty nurses and first responders who immediately dropped everything to help the injured in the storm.
‘Such a sad end to such a great event.’
Walcha Mayor Eric Noakes described the crash as a ‘freak accident’.
‘Nobody expected this outcome out of a thing like this.
‘We’re a very small community … council’s and the community’s thoughts are with the affected people and their families.’
Specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit spent Sunday examining the scene as inquiries continue.