- Vehicle at motorcycle rally hits grandstand
- Nine spectators injured
Nine people have been injured, with one of them fighting for their life, during a horrific crash at a demolition derby in western New South Wales.
Emergency services were called to the Walcha Motorcycle Rally in Walcha, 420 kilometres north of Sydney, about 6.15pm on Saturday.
Police received reports that a vehicle competing in a race crashed through a fence and struck a mobile grandstand.
Spectators rushed to help seven men and two women, aged between 20 and 75, before paramedics arrived and transported them to Walcha District Hospital.
Among them, a 54-year-old man suffered critical injuries with another three people being seriously injured.
The Walcha Motorcycle Rally is a popular annual event that draws motorcycle enthusiasts from across the region, featuring bike shows and stunt displays.
One of the event highlights is the demolition derby, scheduled for 6pm, which is believed to be when the incident happened.
NSW MP for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan confirmed just over three hours after the crash that those injured had reached the hospital for treatment.
Four spectators at Walcha Motorcycle Rally in Walcha, New South Wales, have been rushed to hospital after a vehicle crashed into a grandstand (stock picture)
‘Thank you so much to the ambos, fire & rescue, the police, the SES, bystanders and everyone involved for their swift and incredibly professional work at the scene,’ he said.
‘Like all of us, my thoughts are with everyone affected.’