ORRVILLE, Ohio — Three people were hurt after a sprint car left the racing surface during an "Ohio Sprint Speed Week" event at the Wayne County Speedway Monday night.
According to the Apple Creek-East Union Township Fire Department, emergency crews responded to the speedway after a sprint car crashed into individuals who were located within the infield area of the track.
Officials said three people, who were photographers at the event, suffered injuries. Two sustained critical injuries and required advanced medical care. One was transported by ambulance via the Apple Creek-East Union Township Fire Department, while a second person was airlifted from the scene by MedFlight.
The speedway later clarified that the injured individuals were located in the infield and were not spectators seated in the grandstands or other spectator viewing areas.
A third person suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital.
One person who was injured in the crash was the co-founder of Ohio Motorsport Photography, Kyle Henline.
The company said Henline has two broken bones in his right leg and underwent surgery Tuesday morning to repair the breaks. He is now in recovery.
Read the company's statement:
Wayne County Sheriff's Office Capt. Paul Brumme told News 5 that a crash on the track that grabbed everyone's attention, including the three photographers, when another vehicle struck them.
"So everyone's attention diverted towards that accident that took place, including the three bystanders which we now know are still photographers. They are in the infield to document the racing that goes on. And once this accident occurred, of course, they go and put their attention on this accident. Meanwhile, to the rear and side of them, another sprint car went off the track and couldn't get stopped prior to getting to them and ended up striking all three of the bystanders, or in this case, the photographers," Brumme said.
Fire officials credited Wayne County Speedway staff, on-site EMS personnel, dispatchers, law enforcement and other first responders for their quick actions following the crash.
The department also thanked the Orrville Fire Department, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, MedFlight and dispatchers at the Wayne County Justice Center for their coordinated response.
"Our thoughts remain with the injured individuals and their families, and we continue to appreciate the efforts of all emergency responders who assisted Monday night," the speedway said.
