A speedway event in regional New South Wales descended into chaos on Saturday evening when a racing vehicle broke through a barrier and slammed into spectators, leaving nine people injured—one of them fighting for his life.
The incident occurred at around 6.15pm at the Walcha Showground on Derby Street, where hundreds had gathered to watch the local derby-style racing on the Northern Tablelands. According to police, the 27-year-old driver of the speedway car had been involved in an on-track collision moments before losing control and crashing into a mobile grandstand filled with spectators.
Footage captured by attendees shows the vehicle veering off the raceway before ploughing through the fence, sending debris flying and triggering panic among the crowd. Witnesses rushed to assist the injured in the immediate aftermath.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated seven men and two women, aged between 20 and 75. All nine were transported to Walcha District Hospital. Among them, a 54-year-old man sustained critical injuries, while three others suffered serious trauma. Authorities confirmed that all four were transferred to major hospitals overnight for specialist care.
Police from the Oxley District have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Detectives have been told that the race car driver remains in hospital, cooperating with authorities.
Driver ‘gutted’ as investigation begins
Friends of the driver expressed their shock online, describing him as devastated by what happened.
One colleague, also a derby participant, wrote that the driver was “just gutted,” adding that police had taken possession of both vehicles involved in the initial collision.
“I’m scared, shocked and in total disbelief,” the friend said. “Please keep some respect and privacy until he’s out of hospital and can understand what’s happened.”
Another member of the derby community called the incident a “freak accident,” saying, “I love and respect every single person I’ve met through the derby scene, and for something like this to happen, I just know something went seriously, seriously wrong.”
Police appeal for footage and witnesses
Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has video footage to contact Tamworth Police or Crime Stoppers. Detectives are working to establish whether mechanical failure, track conditions, or driver error contributed to the catastrophic accident.
Crime Stoppers can be reached on 1800 333 000.
