Driver injured in crash at Lernerville Speedway
A helicopter from STAT Medevac took off from the Lernerville Speedway around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, taking an injured driver to a Pittsburgh hospital after a serious crash was reported on the track.
The Geibel Fest Day of Destruction, the last scheduled day of racing at Lernerville for the 2024 season, was being conducted when, according to an eyewitness, a serious crash occurred at around 2:30 p.m.
According to Holly Mead, the car crashed into the wall underneath where the flagman was standing, went “straight up” into the air, and landed on its roof.
Mead said the driver had to be cut from the car with the Jaws of Life, and medical treatment was begun immediately.
UPMC Presbyterian confirmed Sunday evening that the driver was being treated by the emergency department.
The helicopter took off for Presbyterian shortly before 3:30 p.m. Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company brought multiple ambulances to the scene, and the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department was also stationed at the speedway.
“I just saw the car flip, and when they pulled the guy out he was completely blue,” said Mike Richie, who saw the incident.
Even after the incident, racing continued at Lernerville and was still going as of shortly before 5 p.m., with the speedway parking lot mostly full. The day’s program consists of multiple types of races, including double figure-eight races and truck and boat trailer races.
