The 57-year-old viewer is killed after a Georgia speedway driver crashed his car into a concrete retaining wall and debris flew through the chain link fence onto the audience
- Paul Ballenger, 57, of Royston was killed when he was hit by debris after a racing accident at Hartwell Speedway in Georgia Saturday night
- One of the drivers lost control of his car’s steering in the later races of the evening and hit a retaining wall
- Parts of the car then flew over the wall, some parts flew through a chain link fence that was supposed to protect the fans present
- A nine-year-old girl and a man in his thirties were injured. Its current conditions are unknown
- In the meantime, the driver of the incident managed to drive away unharmed
- Investigators are investigating how debris managed to get past the chain link fence and into the stands
In a harrowing car accident on a Georgia speedway, a bystander died and two others were injured after debris was blown into the chain link fence.
Crowds had filled the grandstands for dirt track racing at Hartwell Speedway in Hartwell on Saturday night when the incident occurred.
Hart County Sheriff Mike Cleveland said one of the drivers lost control of his car’s steering and hit a retaining wall during the later races of the evening.
Parts of the car then flew over the wall, some parts flew through a chain link fence that was supposed to protect the fans present.
Paul Ballenger, 57, of Royston was killed when rubble hit him while on the track trying to enjoy the races.
The mechanic and grandfather of 14 was pronounced dead at the scene.
A nine-year-old girl and a man in his thirties were injured. Your current condition is unknown.
In a harrowing car accident on a Georgia speedway, a bystander died and two others were injured after debris was blown into the chain link fence
Paul Ballenger, 57, of Royston was killed when rubble hit him while trying to enjoy the races on the track
In the meantime, the driver of the accident was able to get away unharmed. They have not been publicly identified.
It is not clear whether there is a video of the incident intended to aid investigators in investigating the accident.
The Hart County coroner was among those who responded after the crash, reports FOX Carolina.
“I’ve raced my whole life, my daddy raced, I raced, all of my family raced, and I’ve never seen anything like it,” witness Eddie Segars told FOX Carolina. He was in the pit lane where the accident happened.
“Everyone is traumatized by what happened, especially what happened last night,” Segars continued. “Our entire racing community comes together and wakes up and maybe we can find some ways to prevent this from happening next time.”
Hartwell Speedway then posted on Facebook about the incident and wrote, “Everyone at Hartwell Speedway ask that you keep those involved in the tragic accident on the speedway tonight in your thoughts and prayers. We would also like to thank everyone who helped the injured. “
Hartwell Speedway subsequently posted about the incident on Facebook
Investigators are investigating how debris managed to get past the chain link fence and into the stands
A sign on the speedway advises visitors to enter at their own risk
WSB-TV reports that investigators are investigating how the debris can get past the chain link fence and onto the stands.
DailyMail.com has contacted Hartwell Speedway for comment on the incident and their future plans for the route.
Hartwell Speedway is a 3/8 mile long, oval sand path made of clay.
The city of Hartwell is approximately 110 miles from Atlanta.
Ballenger was a body repair technician at the Ford dealer Ed Murdoch in Lavonia.
An obituary states that Ballenger leaves behind two daughters and a son-in-law and 14 grandchildren.
He worked as a body repair technician at the Ed Murdoch Ford dealer in Lavonia.
Ballenger was due to celebrate his 58th birthday this week. Sacrifice services are held on Thursday.
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