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SPECTATOR KILLED IN FINKE

Spectator killed in Finke

By Dan McCarthy

The Finke Desert Race has been marred by a tragic accident in which a spectator has been killed and a further two people seriously injured after an incident involving a competitor at around 9.30am.

A 60-year-old gentleman died at the scene, while another man in his 50s and the navigator of the vehicle, a woman in her 50s were flown to Alice Springs Hospital.

It is understood that the car struck a group of spectators around 35km from the finish line.

“The area has been cordoned off and competitors have been diverted from the area, which has been declared a crime scene,” NT Police have confirmed.

“Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the cause of the incident and calling for any spectators who may have witnessed the incident, or have dash cam or video footage, to contact police immediately.”

The Finke Desert Race Facebook page declared the accident and reiterated the news.

“The event is aware of an incident approximately 35km down the track. Emergency services are on site attending to the scene,” it read.

“Motorsport Australia and event organisers are working with emergency services to put in appropriate controls to manage the scene.

“We are working with relevant authorities to follow all procedures and NT Police will provide an update in due course.”

As a result of the incident, organisers called off the end of the race as many competitors were still yet to cross the line.

“The Clerk of the Course has declared the Car Section of the Finke Desert Race concluded,” organisers said.

Race organisers have also announced that the return leg of the bike category had now been cancelled.

“Event organisers and emergency services are working with competitors and crews to return to Alice Springs safely,” they said.

While Motorsport Australia released the following statement:

“Motorsport Australia is saddened to hear of today’s tragic news from the Finke Desert Race in Alice Springs.”

“NT Police have now confirmed a spectator has passed away following an incident which occurred approximately 35km from the finish line on Monday morning. Motorsport Australia extends its sympathies to the families, friends and all those impacted by today’s events.”

“Together with event organisers, Motorsport Australia will begin its own investigation into the incident and will of course assist all relevant authorities with their respective investigations.”

“Motorsport Australia is also providing ongoing support and assistance to all competitors, officials and those associated with the event, which includes providing counselling services.”

“As these investigations remain ongoing, we are unable to provide any further comment at this time.”

The Finke Desert Race is annually held each June on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, however, was cancelled last year due to COVID-19.

Former Dakar bike class winner Toby Price and his navigator, Triple Eight Race Engineering engineer Mark Dutton were declared the winners in the car category early this morning before the tragedy occurred.

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