UPDATE: A volunteer has been hospitalized following a shocking incident at the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival in Australia, where a high-powered BMW lost control and crashed into a concrete barrier during a drag race. The event took a terrifying turn as the man, aged in his 60s, was left bleeding on the side of the track, prompting urgent medical response.
Eyewitness accounts describe the chaos that unfolded during the quarter-mile sprint. “It was pretty crazy to see. It all happened pretty quick,” said witness Adam Turley. The injured marshal was reportedly struck by the vehicle and pinned against the barrier. A medic on scene indicated the man’s foot was severely injured, stating, “his foot sort of got squashed between the connector and the tarmac.”
As the crowd looked on in disbelief, the driver of the BMW managed to walk away, albeit visibly shaken. “Yeah, he was standing by the car. I think the car protected him like it should,” said another witness, Harrison Dinsmore. The driver’s quick reaction may have prevented more serious injuries, as he was able to brake just in time.
The festival organizers confirmed that this is the first significant injury to a volunteer in twelve years of the event. They released a statement saying, “We have been in touch with his family and we understand he is in good spirits. We will continue to support his recovery and will conduct a full review.”
The incident has sparked immediate discussions about safety protocols at the unique track. Spectator Manny Law noted the unusual design of the drag strip, stating, “It’s a very, very cool event, sort of quite unique… there’s that slight bend in it.” He added, “I think they’ll be changing protocols on what the footwear is, that’s for sure,” referring to the volunteer’s choice of wearing thongs during the event, which may have contributed to his injuries.
As the festival continues, officials are urging all participants and volunteers to prioritize safety. The community is rallying around the injured volunteer, with hopes for a swift recovery. This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the inherent risks involved in motorsport events and the importance of safety measures.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as more details emerge.
