Driver injured at Sumter Demolition Derby Saturday

Posted

A demolition derby event ended unfortunately in just that on Saturday when a driver was airlifted to a hospital after he was injured during the event.

A male driver participating in the event, promoted on Facebook as a first in Sumter by the organizers, at the American Legion at the Sumter Fairgrounds was driving in an early heat when his orange sedan was pinned against the barrier wall after being struck by a car on either side, according to Sumter Fire Department Battalion Chief Joey Duggan.

Firefighters used their jaws of life device to cut the door off the car.

Duggan said the driver was conscious when he was pulled out but that he did not know the extent of his injuries.

A medical helicopter airlifted him, according to a post on the event's Facebook page, to a hospital in Richland.

That post said he received an X-ray and CT scan and was waiting for results.

An earlier post apologized for wait times due to a lack of participants.

“I just want to thank everyone, guests, drivers and staff for coming out today. It was our first event, we had a lot of things that didn’t work out today, but that’s how you learn to get better,” the post read. “I know not everyone was happy with the schedule and wait times, but I sincerely did try to do my best with the cards that were dealt. I understand the frustration, but we proceeded with the show that we could provide. Again, thanks to everyone for sticking with us, we will get better! Please keep Mr. Scott in your prayers, we area all hoping for a speedy recovery!”