BEAVER DAM, Arizona — The first day of the lawnmower racing season ended in tragedy when one driver was critically injured on Saturday.
Chief Jeff Hunt with Beaver Dam Fire and Rescue provided radio assistance during the crash. He said the incident involved a high-speed lawnmower that was racing on Old Pioneer Rd.
“He was at a speed that got out of control and hit a van,” Hunt said about the crash. “Clipped it, actually moved the van several feet, it looked like. And he was ejected from the tractor and ended up over in a bush.”
The parked van was unoccupied when it was struck. The Beaver Dam Little Field Fire District was at the event on standby voluntarily, which allowed first responders to assist quickly at the scene.
Mercy Air was called and arrived on the scene to assist. Extensive work was performed to stabilize the patient in preparation to fly to St. George Regional Hospital.
“They are very fast,” Hunt said about the lawnmowers. “They’re just having a ball. I know it’s become very popular. Lots of spectators, lots of lawnmowers, different classes.”
While Hunt said the driver suffered critical injuries, he had no update as to his current condition.
This report is based on statements from court records, police or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
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