At least 28 fans—including a child-- were hurt Saturday when debris from a crash flew into the grandstands at Daytona International Speedway.
During the final lap of the Nationwide Series' Drive4COPD race, several cars were jostling for position. Kyle Larson's vehicle went airborne into the protective barrier between the track and the fans. Several fans were hurt when his car broke into pieces. Parts of his car's tires, along with the engine, landed in the grandstands—reaching the stands’ second level.
Bleacher Report: Nationwide wreck ends with huge crash
Ambulances and first responders rushed to the scene to help injured spectators. In total, 14 fans were treated at an on-site medical facility and a number of others were transported to area hospitals. Jeff Gluck, the spokesman for Halifax Health tweeted Saturday, "The two patients listed in critical condition last night have been upgraded, are no longer critical."
Larson was able to walk away from the accident, even though the entire front of his car was torn from his vehicle. Twelve cars were damaged in the fiery crash. Crews immediately began working to fix the damaged fence ahead of Sunday’s Daytona 500, held at the same Florida track. Speedway president Joie Chitwood confirmed that the 55th edition of the Daytona 500 will go on as planned. Fans will even be allowed to sit in the same seats hit by debris Saturday.
The race was won by Tony Stewart.
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