Spectators injured at Martinsville (3rd Update)
10/31/16 Gary T. Edem has been charged with reckless driving and placed on an unsecured $7,500 bond following an accident involving 22 pedestrians following Sunday’s Goody’s 500 at Martinsville Speedway.
According to Corinne N. Geller, Public Relations Director for the Virginia State Police (VSP), Edem, 65, of Fairfax, Va., was taken into custody following reports of pedestrians being struck by a car.
The incident occurred outside of Turn 2 in the handicapped parking lot outside of the helicopter pad. Edem, who was driving a 2005 Chevrolet SSR convertible, tried to pass a Jeep Liberty, hit the jeep and then plowed into the pedestrians. Neither the driver of the Jeep, a 73-year-old male from Joplin, Mo. or his 36-year-old male passenger from Bentonville, Ark., were injured in the accident.
10/30/16 Twenty-two pedestrians were struck by a vehicle in a Martinsville Speedway parking lot after Sunday's race and nine were transported to local hospital.
Seven fans were taken to Memorial Hospital in Martinsville, Virginia, and two were taken to Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden, N.C. Those injured ranged in age from 13 to 65. Thirteen fans were treated at the scene, according to the Virginia State Police.
The incident occurred at 5:38 p.m. – an hour after the checkered flag waved in Sunday's race – in the handicapped parking lot outside Turn 2 of the speedway.
The parking lot was congested with vehicles and pedestrians when a 2005 Chevrolet SSR convertible attempted to pass a Jeep Patriot. The Chevrolet struck the Jeep and then struck several pedestrians, according to the Virginia State Police.
The driver of the Chevrolet is being interviewed by Virginia State Police. The police stated that alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash. Charges are pending consultation with Henry County Commonwealth Attorney Andrew Nester.
A track spokesperson also stated that one person was taken into custody after the incident.
At least four ambulances and eight police cars were spotted at the scene.
10/30/16 At least ten people were injured following Sunday's Goody's 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Martinsville Speedway after a vehicular accident at the track.
According to Martinsville Speedway Director of Public Relations Brooks Taylor, all the victims were struck by a car as they were leaving the facility after the race and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Their conditions are unknown at this time. The driver was taken into police custody.
AutoRacing1.com will have updates as they become available.