BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) —Three spectators were killed and six others injured Sunday when a tire and pieces of a car flew into the grandstand during a crash at the U.S. 500 auto race.
Dr. Gregory Baumann, the chief medical director at Michigan Speedway, said two people died instantly from the impact of the debris. A third person later died at one of the track’s medical units.
Six spectators were taken by helicopter to Foote Hospital in Jackson, where they were listed in stable condition with injuries ranging from a fractured leg to neck and back injuries, hospital officials said.
All of the dead and injured were adults, track officials said.
The fourth-turn grandstand area where the spectators were hit was cleared immediately and a medical examiner’s investigation was begun.
This is the first spectator death at the track since 1969, when one fan was killed during a Trans-Am race on the road course.