DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — At least 28 people were injured in a crash at the end of a Nascar race at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday afternoon, bringing the issue of safety at racetracks back to the forefront on the eve of Sunday’s season-opening showcase, the Daytona 500.
Byron Cogdell, a spokesman at Halifax Medical Center, confirmed that seven people were being treated there for injuries caused by debris that flew into the stands, with two of them in critical condition, including one child.
Cogdell also said the Halifax Health Port Orange Medical Center was treating six more of the injured, with those in stable condition. Another was being treated at Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center in Daytona Beach.
The Daytona International Speedway president, Joie Chitwood, said 14 people were transported to various hospitals, with another 14 treated at an infield care center at the track.
The injuries occurred after a 12-car crash as the field approached the checkered flag at the end of a Nationwide Series race won by Tony Stewart. The No. 32 car driven by the rookie Kyle Larson went airborne in the wreck and hit the catch-fence that surrounds the track and is designed to protect fans. The entire front end of Larson’s racecar was sheared off and debris from the car, including two tires, flew into the stands. The engine wound up in a hole in the catch-fence.
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