Eight spectators were crushed to death and 12 others injured when a vehicle lost control and plunged into the cheering crowd at a traditional off-road desert race in Southern California. Authorities believe the driver lost control of the vehicle during a race at a dry lake bed, ploughing into the crowd of people watching the sport.
The accident occurred at the 'California 200' race, one of a series of local off-road matches in the area on Saturday night. Fire dispatch supervisor Tim Franke said the accident was reported at Soggy Dry Lake Bed, a popular off-road spot. "It's unknown what kind of event was going on out there," he was quoted as saying by Los Angeles Times.
Franke said at least four people were seriously injured and were taken by air ambulance to nearby trauma centres. He said it was not yet clear how the accident occurred. Officials said the driver was not injured but had to flee the scene to escape angry spectators.
The Lucerne Valley and surrounding desert areas is considered a mecca for off-road racing, with numerous pro races through the year. Videos of previous races show vehicles speeding by rows of spectators, with thin barriers between them.
The California 200 night race in the Lucerne Valley area, off Bessemer Mine Road, was promoted by MDR Productions of South El Monte. A flier listed on a website indicated that fees to enter the race ranged from US $ 200 to US $ 440.