From Virginia State Police: At 5:38 p.m., Sunday (Oct. 30), state and local law enforcement began receiving reports of pedestrians being struck in a parking lot outside the Martinsville Speedway in Henry County, Va. A total of 22 people were injured, with the majority treated at the scene for minor injuries. There were no fatalities. The incident occurred post-race in the handicapped parking area outside of 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 nearby pedestrians.
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The Ridgeway District Volunteer Rescue, Ridgeway District Volunteer Fire, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, City of Martinsville Sheriff’s Office, Martinsville Speedway officials, Henry County Department of Public Safety and Virginia State Police immediately responded to the scene.
Thirteen patients were treated on scene for minor injuries, with another nine patients transported to nearby hospitals for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Seven individuals were transported to Memorial Hospital of Martinsville, Va.; two others were transported to Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden, N.C. Those injured range in age from 13 to 65.
The driver of the Chevrolet is currently being interviewed by Virginia State Police. Alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the crash. Charges are pending consultation with Henry County Commonwealth’s Attorney Andrew Nester.
