Local news:
Thirteen people were injured, including one critically, when a demolition derby car crashed into a crowd in regional NSW.
A car competing in a race crashed through a fence and hit a mobile grandstand at the Walcha Showground during the Walcha Motorcycle Rally about 6.15pm on Saturday.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Out of control demolition derby car smashes into a grandstand
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Bystanders rushed into help those injured before paramedics took eight men and three women, aged between 20 and 75, to nearby hospitals.
A 54-year-old man suffered critical spinal and hip injuries while another 34-year-old man sustained serious head injuries.
They were taken to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle by helicopter where they remain in a stable condition.
A 74-year-old man who sustained multiple fractures and internal injuries was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.
Police say the 27-year-old driver was involved in an on-track collision right before the incident.
He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Walcha Hospital for mandatory testing.
Another two people later attended Walcha Hospital with minor injuries before being transferred to Armidale and Tamworth Hospital.
The rest were taken to various hospitals in the area, with eight discharged as of midday Sunday.
Walcha Council mayor Eric Noakes said some of those injured were locals.
“I’m up at the showground now and it’s a pretty solemn place,” he said.
“Nobody expected this outcome out of a thing like this.
“We’re a very small community … council’s and the community’s thoughts are with the affected people and their families.”
Noakes, who was at home at the time of the crash due to heavy rain, described it as a “freak accident”.
“Freak accidents happen,” he said.
“Not excusing it but you never see these things coming.”
In addition to the demolition derby, the annual rally features a motorcycle street procession, barrel racing, a show and shine and postie bike events.
The event’s future is set to face scrutiny, with the mayor confirming council will review its position.
“It’s been a five-year event but things like this — we’ll certainly reassess our position,” Noakes said.
“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.”
Federal MP for New England Barnaby Joyce said his thoughts and prayers were with those impacted by the incident.
“Thank you to all the off-duty nurses and first responders who immediately dropped everything to help the injured in the storm,” he said.
“Such a sad end to such a great event.”
Specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit have examined the scene as police inquiries into the crash continue.
— With AAP
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