Explosive moment drag race turns to horror as fireball engulfs mechanics leaving one in a critical condition
- ‘Start-line’ explosion seen in dramatic footage overwhelms drag car mechanics
- Four were taken to hospital and one is understood to have suffered severe burns
- An investigation has been ordered into the explosion at Sydney Dragway
A violent ‘start line’ explosion at an Australian drag racing event has left a mechanic fighting for his life.
Paramedics rushed to Sydney Dragway in the city’s west on Saturday at 5.15pm after a fireball suddenly engulfed mechanics as a team prepared their car for the start of racing.
Four men were taken to hospital after the incident involved the Jim Read Racing team at Saturday’s Nitro Champs, at Eastern Creek, with one in a critical condition.
The man, aged in his 20s, was taken to Westmead Hospital after suffering serious burns.
A violent ‘start line’ explosion at an Australian drag racing event has left a mechanic fighting for his life
Several people desperately ran for cover while one man was left laying motionless on the tarmac, as a voice can be heard calling for ‘ambos!’
Dramatic footage showed the fireball overwhelming several people in the team at the rear of one car as a loud boom and several cracks rang out.
Several people desperately ran for cover while one man was left laying motionless on the tarmac, as a voice can be heard calling for ‘ambos!’
Some witnesses reported thinking the explosion was fireworks being tested.
The other three men had more minor injuries.
The team was preparing to compete in the Burson Auto Parts Australian Top Fuel Championship.
A statement from Sydney Dragway said a full investigation is underway into the cause of the incident.
The Australian Top Fuel Championship and the sanctioning body at Sydney Dragway, IHRA Australia, are involved.
Dramatic footage showed the fireball overwhelming several people in the team at the rear of one car as a loud boom and several cracks rang out
‘Our thoughts are with the team members involved and hope to see them back at the racetrack soon,’ the statement said.
Several people on social media who were at the event remarked how loud the explosion was and sent their best wishes to ‘Gus and the rest of the team’.
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