A car taking part in a demolition derby at the Powell County (Deer Lodge, Montana) Fairgrounds went out of control Sunday night and crashed through a fence in the only place where there were no barriers, killing an emergency medical technician in the Line of Duty and injuring seven other people.
At 9:35 p.m. seven cars were competing in the final heat for the championship when “an unfortunate series of mechanical problems” caused one driver to lose control. Two standby ambulances were on the scene as well as the Deer Lodge Fire Department. Medical personnel and firemen in the crowd rushed to assist victims. Some of the medical personnel, including Day, were right in the area where the crash occurred.
Powell County EMT DaryLynne Day, 36, was killed in the Line of Duty. Apparently they had large, long logs lined up all around the arena but the car went through an area on the north side of the arena, where the derby vehicles enter onto the track. There was only a 6-foot chain-link fence at that spot and the car toppled over that, struck the victims and a small set of bleachers and came to a stop only when it struck a Sun Mountain Logging truck used to transport the barrier logs. There were several people standing by the fence and others were sitting in the bleachers when the crash occurred.
EMT Day died at Deer Lodge Medical Center and one man was flown by helicopter to another hospital, with 3 people remaining hospitalized in stable condition Monday afternoon.
Here is video of the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_MR1lGF8JA
Our condolences to all those affected. Rest In Peace.