Nascar Daytona International Speedway Crash 28 People Injured

At least 28 people were injured in a crash at the end of a NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday afternoon, bringing the issue of safety at racetracks back to the forefront on the eve of Sunday’s season-opening showcase, the Daytona 500.

Byron Cogdell, a spokesman at Halifax Health Medical Center, confirmed that seven people were being treated there for injuries caused by debris that flew into the stands, with two of them in critical condition, including one child.

Cogdell also said the Halifax Health Medical Center of Port Orange was treating six more of the injured, with those in stable condition. Another was being treated at Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center in Daytona Beach.

The Daytona International Speedway president, Joie Chitwood, said 14 people were transported to various hospitals, with another 14 treated at an infield care center at the track.

The injuries occurred after a 12-car crash as the field approached the checkered flag at the end of a Nationwide Series race won by Tony Stewart. The No. 32 car driven by the rookie Kyle Larson went airborne in the wreck and hit the catch-fence that surrounds the track and is designed to protect fans. The entire front end of Larson’s racecar was sheared off, and debris from the car, including two tires, flew into the stands. The engine wound up in a hole in the catch-fence.

“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with our race fans,” Chitwood said. “On the incident, we responded appropriately according to our protocols and had emergency medical personnel at the incident immediately.

“We’re in the process of preparing the facility and will be ready to go racing tomorrow.”

There were no injuries among the 12 drivers involved in the crash, including the stars Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Brad Keselowski, the 2012 Sprint Cup champion. All were examined at the infield care center and released.

( Source )

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