A “serious campfire mishap” has sent six young people taking part in a popular desert race to hospital after suffering burns when a car part exploded.
The incident took place on Saturday near the Deep Well checkpoint, which is part of the Finke Desert Race circuit, located about 80 kilometers southwest of Alice Springs.
Six people suffered burns after a bonfire explosion, before they managed to reach the checkpoint where they were treated by St John Ambulance NT paramedics.
It is understood the spectators suffered first and second degree burns and were taken to Alice Springs Hospital for treatment.
“The campfire incident was caused by the explosion of a shock absorber device,” NT Health told Daily Mail Australia.
Six spectators watching the annual Finke Desert Race (pictured) in the Northern Territory on Saturday were injured after a mysterious explosion.
It is understood that spectators suffered first and second degree burns and were taken to hospital for treatment, while some were flown interstate for specialist care (pictured, competitors taking part in the race).
“Six male patients from Victoria, aged between 18 and 23, were admitted to Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) on Sunday 9 June as a result of a serious bonfire accident near the Finke Desert Race track on Saturday 8 June. June,” NT Health said.
‘Three patients were transferred to the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) via the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) and two patients were transferred to The Alfred via CareFlight on Sunday 9 June.
‘Our thoughts are with the patients, families and friends of the injured young people and with the witnesses to the harrowing incident at the Finke Desert Race event.
“NT Health would like to thank the first responders, St John Ambulance, NT Police and all NT Health staff involved in the response, particularly the staff at Alice Springs Hospital and the medical recovery teams for their excellent response and care for injured patients.
Held annually over the King’s Birthday long weekend, the Finke Desert Race is a multi-terrain off-road race that is the largest sporting event in the Northern Territory.
The race takes place over four days along a 460 kilometer stretch of dirt road from Alice Springs to the remote indigenous community of Aputula.
More than 600 competitors take part in the race and drivers race their motorcycles, sprint cars and utes over the rugged terrain.
The race (pictured) takes place every year over the King’s Birthday long weekend, along a 460km stretch of dirt road from Alice Springs to the remote indigenous community of Aputula.
Race organizers had warned spectators to be careful when lighting fires and to ensure that all fires were extinguished when people had finished using them (spectators gathered at a checkpoint on part of the race course). Finke Desert races)
Race organizers told Daily Mail Australia that St John Ambulance medical teams are stationed at each checkpoint along the Finke Desert Race course.
“We understand they were able to assist the campers once they showed up last night,” a spokesperson said.
‘Campers have always been advised to take great care and monitor all fires along the track.
“Finke Desert Race organizers are generally pleased with spectator behavior and look forward to welcoming top runners and drivers to the finish line in Alice Springs on Monday.”
Race organizers issued a warning to spectators on their website and social media pages earlier on Sunday and urged them to follow all safety measures that have been put in place.
‘We need all spectators along the track to always follow all safety instructions. “These instructions are in place to keep you and others safe,” they said.
This included standing at least 30m from the track, staying behind all flags and signs, and obeying no-spectator zones.
The warning said the race will be stopped if spectators do not comply with safety instructions.
Campers were also warned to be very careful when lighting fires, according to the website.
‘Remember to bring your own firewood. “Be very careful with all fires: these must be carefully monitored and completely extinguished when they are over,” they said.
Northern Territory Police have been contacted for comment.
