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A demolition derby event in southeastern Australia turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy after a competing vehicle ploughed into spectators, injuring at least 13 people, two of them critically. The horrifying crash occurred at the Walcha Motorcycle Rally, north of Sydney, where hundreds had gathered for the high-adrenaline spectacle. 

The incident happened around 6:15 pm local time when a car driven by 27-year-old Steven Taylor veered off the track and crashed directly into a makeshift grandstand packed with fans. Police said the vehicle had collided with another car moments before losing control and smashing through the fence.

Emergency services swiftly responded, with a 54-year-old man and another victim in his 30s airlifted to nearby hospitals in critical condition. Eleven more spectators, aged between 20 and 75, were taken to hospitals across Walcha, Armidale, and Tamworth. Six of them suffered serious injuries.

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Driver Not Accused Of Wrongdoing

Authorities confirmed that the driver, Steven Taylor, is not currently suspected of any deliberate wrongdoing. His brother, Taylor Blake, also a derby driver, posted an emotional video on Facebook, saying it appeared Steven had “blacked out” after a collision on the field.

“It’s hard to believe… I don’t know if I’ll ever compete again,” Blake said, visibly shaken. Steven was treated at the scene for minor injuries and taken to Walcha Hospital for mandatory testing, as required by police procedures. 

The devastating accident has left the close-knit Walcha community in disbelief. Eric Noakes, mayor of Walcha Council, said the atmosphere at the showground was “solemn.”

“Nobody expected this outcome out of a thing like this,” he said. “We’re a very small community… our thoughts are with the affected people and their families.”

The Walcha Council released a statement expressing that it was “shocked and stunned” by the tragedy, and it pledged full cooperation with authorities investigating the incident. Police crash investigators examined the scene overnight to determine what caused the driver to lose control. In a separate Facebook post, event organisers thanked first responders and bystanders for their “swift and incredibly professional work” in treating the injured.

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