07 January 2023 , 22:30
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A drag racing driver was killed at an event in Ipswich, Australia, after flipping his car at 200 miles per hour.
Tributes poured in after it emerged father of three Sam Fenech had died in a 'huge' crash during the New Year Nitro event at Willowbank Raceway on Saturday evening. And footage showed the extent of the collision that killed a popular figure in Australia's drag-racing community.
The New South Wales native got off to a fast start in his Chevrolet Camaro but appeared to struggle in holding his line. Fenech's car can be seen wavering to the left before overcompensating too much and flying over the central reserve separating him from his opponent, Kelvin Lyle.
The Camaro comes apart in mid-air as onlookers can be heard in shock at the turn of events. Fenech's car rolled several times before coming to a halt on a grass embankment, with emergency services rushing in vain to save his life.
It's understood a camera operator was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after Fenech's Camaro crashed into a camera tower. Sky News reported one person at the event was listed as critical after being treated on-site.
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A statement from the event organisers read: "It is with great sadness that Top Fuel Racing Australia announces that Sam Fenech, driver of the Fabietti Racing Doorslammer, has succumbed to injuries suffered in a racing accident at Willowbank Raceway and passed away this evening."
Drag Racer Sam Fenech was killed after a 'huge' crash in Ipswich, AustraliaTop Fuel Australia sent its condolences to Fenech's family and "the whole team at Fabietti Racing." However, it also clarified: "The accident is under investigation by QLD Police and other agencies, and as such there will be no further public comment."
"Absolutely lost for words," wrote Supercars Championship contender Tom Hazelwood. "RIP Sam Fenech." Brett Ramsey, a member of a camera operator's group, commented he was "always very reluctant to have crew down at that end of the strip. If something goes wrong it goes wrong big, and this was huge."
Fenech was previously involved in a major crash in Sydney when his parachutes got tangled in his wheelie bars before he hit the sand trap. Prior to Saturday's tragedy, Ford Mustang driver Lyle posted on Facebook that he was "looking forward to a great day of racing."