Brother of demolition derby driver shares sad update after ‘freak’ crash in Walcha
The brother of a driver who “blacked out” before crashing into spectators during a demolition derby, injuring 13 people, has shared some devastating news.
The driver who crashed into spectators during a demolition derby in northwest New South Wales after “blacking out” may never compete again, his brother said.
Thirteen people were injured, some seriously, when the car went through a barrier and hit a temporary grandstand at Walcha showgrounds early Saturday night.
Paramedics treated the victims aged between 20 and 75. A 54-year-old man with spinal injuries and a man in his 30s with head injuries were flown to hospital.
NSW Police in a statement on Sunday said they were told the driver, Steven Taylor, 27, was involved in an on-track collision prior to crashing into the spectators.
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His brother Blake has since revealed he and Steven were unlikely to ever compete at a demolition derby again after being “shaken up” by the incident.
“Everything was running very smoothly yesterday. My brother, Steven, has hit a car in the middle of the field … As he’s gone to drive forward he’s blacked out and his foot has been wedged hard on the accelerator to the point Steven has not stopped,” he said in a video.
“He’s come through the fence. There was a grandstand full of people … it’s been thrown big time. People got thrown. To see all these people on the ground … there’s drinks, glasses, hats … it’s still totally hard to believe.
“I just wish this never happened. I can’t thank the first responders (enough), all the people who jumped into action to help all those severely injured on the ground.
“I personally don’t believe my brother or myself will ever compete again. It’s shaken me up that much.”
Footage aired on Channel 10 showed Steven’s car reversing at speed and colliding with another car. It then accelerated forward and crashed into the spectators.
Seconds after the collision, bystanders rushed to help the injured and to check on Steven.
Blake revealed his brother had potentially “pinched a nerve somewhere in his spine” or neck during the impact with another race car.
“I’ve run over there and I more or less said, ‘mate, what the bloody hell have you done’. And he was looking straight through me. He wasn’t with it at all,” he told Channel 10.
Steven did not remember what happened moments before the impact and only recalled walking out of the car and being helped by paramedics.
He was treated for minor injuries and taken to Walcha Hospital for mandatory testing.
Steven – who is not accused of any wrongdoing – has since been discharged from hospital.
The demolition derby is a feature of the Walcha Motorcycle Rally, a popular annual event that spans three days.
But Mayor Eric Noakes said the future of it will come under review after the crash.
“It’s been a five-year event but things like this — we’ll certainly reassess our position,” he said on Sunday.
“I’m only the mayor and don’t understand a lot of what sits behind reassessing it and our risk analysis. That’ll be something we’ll look at.”
Specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit attended and examined the scene of the collision as inquiries continue.
Police are appealing for anyone with footage of the incident or relevant information to contact Tamworth Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
