At least 22 people were injured and at least 14 went to hospitals after a vehicle crashed into a crowd in a parking lot Sunday at Martinsville Speedway.
Twelve fans went to Memorial Hospital in Martinsville, Virginia, according to Liz Harris, the hospital’s director of marketing. She confirmed that one patient was transported to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia.
The Virginia State Police reported that two fans were taken to Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden, N.C. Those injured ranged in age from 13 to 65. The Virginia State Police stated that fans transported to the hospitals had non-life threatening injuries.
Thirteen fans were treated at the scene for minor injuries, according to the Virginia State Police.
The incident occurred at 5:38 p.m. - an hour after the checkered flag waved - in the handicapped parking lot outside Turn 2 of the speedway. The parking lot was congested with vehicles and pedestrians when a 2005 Chevrolet SSR convertible attempted to pass a Jeep Patriot. The Chevrolet struck the Jeep and then struck several pedestrians, according to the Virginia State Police.
The driver of the Chevrolet is being interviewed by Virginia State Police. The police stated that alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash. Charges are pending consultation with Henry County Commonwealth Attorney Andrew Nester.
The Ridgeway District Volunteer Rescue, Ridgeway District Volunteer Fire, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, City of Martinsville Sheriff’s Office, Martinsville Speedway officials, Henry County Department of Public Safety and Virginia State Police immediately responded to the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing.