Man dead, two injured during horrific crash at Finke Desert Race

UPDATE: A spectator has been killed and two others have been injured during a tragic crash at the Finke Desert Race outside Alice Springs.

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UPDATE: A MAN in his 60s has died after being struck by a vehicle while watching the Finke Desert Race on Sunday, NT Police have confirmed.

Two others have been injured, with NT PFES also reporting a male spectator in his 50s had to be flown to Alice Springs Hospital.

He sustained serious injuries and will be medevaced to Royal Adelaide Hospital on Tuesday.

A woman in her 50s, the navigator of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries after the vehicle struck a group of spectators.

The incident unfolded at 9.38am Monday about 35km from the start/finish line, with Police cordoning off the area, declaring a crime scene and diverting competitors away from the site.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact NT Police on 131444.

EARLIER: One person has reportedly died and two others have been injured during an ‘incident’ at the Finke Desert Race outside Alice Springs.

Spectators at the scene of an incident, about 35km down the track at Finke, have reported that one person has died and two people — a man and woman in their 50s — were injured.

A NT Health spokesman said the injured man and woman were taken to Alice Springs Hospital for medical treatment where they remain in a stable condition.

Emergency services are at the scene of the crash at Finke Desert Race where one person has reportedly died and two were injured. Picture: Supplied

While limited details are available around the incident at this stage, a spokesman for the event said organisers were working with the relevant emergency services to manage the situation.

“The event is aware of an incident approximately 35km down the track. Emergency services are on site attending to the scene,” he said.

“Motorsport Australia and event organisers are working with emergency services to put in appropriate controls to manage the scene.

“We are working with relevant authorities to follow all procedures and NT Police will provide an update in due course.”

Emergency services are at the scene of the crash at Finke Desert Race. Picture: Supplied

A NT PFES spokeswoman confirmed police and emergency services were attending a situation at the race but said there was no confirmed information yet on injuries or deaths.

The spokeswoman said more information would be released as it was confirmed.

Following an earlier incident, the Bike category return leg has been declared.

Event organisers and emergency services are working with competitors and crews to return to Alice Springs safely.

Bike category standing orders are as at Day 1.

Motorsport Australia and Event Organisers have advised that as the NT Police are still carrying out investigations at the scene of today’s incident, the Clerk of the Course has declared the Car Section of the Finke Desert Race concluded.

Arrangements will be made in conjunction with NT Police for vehicles stopped on the course at various locations on the Finke Track to be recovered by crews.

Competitors and crews will be advised in due course.

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