One man in critical state after car ploughs into crowd at Walcha, Australia, demolition derby

One man is fighting for his life and eight others are injured after a demolition derby car crashed into a crowd in Australia last night.

A police investigation is under way after a car competing in the derby at Walcha, about 400km north of Sydney, crashed through a barrier and into a mobile grandstand at 6.15pm (local time).

New South Wales police and paramedics raced to the scene and bystanders rendered first aid at the Walcha Showgrounds, in the NSW Northern Tablelands.

Seven men and two women, aged between 20 and 75, were taken to Walcha District Hospital.

A 54-year-old man suffered critical injuries and three people were seriously injured.

Video posted on social media showed the moment the car crashed through the barrier and into the grandstand.

Police have been told that the 27-year-old driver was involved in an on-track collision immediately before the car crashed into the crowd.

National Party MP Barnaby Joyce led a chorus of well-wishes on social media.

“My thoughts, prayers and hopes are with those now in critical care after the incident at Walcha tonight after a vehicle in the derby collided with spectators,” Joyce said on Facebook.

“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.”

Another person said on social media: “Heartbreaking to hear of the Walcha tragedy tonight … my prayers are with you all… pray for the community and those impacted.”

The NSW Police specialist Crash Investigation Unit will examine the crash scene.

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