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Demolition derby crash injures 13 in southeastern Australia
Thirteen people were injured-two critically-after a car veered into a crowd during a demolition derby in Walcha, New South Wales, police reported Sunday. The incident occurred Saturday night when the vehicle, part of the annual Walcha Motorcycle Rally, broke through a fence and struck spectators in the grandstand.
Casualties and investigation
Nine of the injured remained hospitalized as of Sunday, according to Brendan Moylan, a regional lawmaker, who noted all were "now recovering." Police initially reported nine injuries but later updated the count to 13, with victims aged 20 to 75. A 54-year-old man was among the critically wounded. Authorities are probing whether a prior on-track collision involving the 27-year-old driver contributed to the crash.
Official responses
The Walcha Council expressed shock in a statement, pledging to collaborate with investigators to "examine the circumstances" behind the accident. It declined further comment until inquiries conclude. Moylan praised emergency responders on social media for their "swift and incredibly professional work," while former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce offered condolences, calling the crash a "sad end to such a great event."
Event context
The Walcha Motorcycle Rally, a "grassroots event for motorcycle enthusiasts," included the demolition derby-a motorsport where drivers intentionally collide. The crash disrupted what organizers described as a popular community gathering.
