The 16th annual Burt Munro Challenge took a turn for the worse yesterday when two separate crashes resulted in five people being taken to Southland Hospital with injuries. The Bluff Hill Climb event saw riders collide with spectators, leaving one person in critical condition, three in serious condition, and one in moderate condition.
Hato Hone St John, the ambulance service present at the event, was called in to transport the injured patients. The Challenge’s organizing committee, headed by Chairman Craig Hyde, stated that the first crash occurred on the second corner of the race. Racing continued after the crash but was temporarily stopped after a second crash took place in the afternoon.
The event, which was run by Motorcycling NZ and met all necessary safety requirements, including the presence of stewards flown in from other locations, has prompted the committee to review its safety measures and the role of spectators in the event.
The chairman stated that the organizers would be debriefing with Worksafe, the police, and Southland Hospital to minimize the impact of the incidents on these organizations. The committee may also consider limiting public access to the hill during the race next year.
This year’s Burt Munro Challenge marks the first time that such incidents have occurred in the 16-year history of the event. The organizing committee intends to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators in future events.
Related:
Action Photos From Burt Munro Challenge Beach Racing
Action Photos From Burt Munro Challenge Speedway & Sprints
Action Photos From Burt Munro Challenge Bluff Hill Climb
Bluff Hill Climb Crashes Lead to Hospitalisation of Five at Burt Munro Challenge