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22 Injured After Being Hit By Car At NASCAR Race

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (CBS News) — Several people were hit by a car in a parking lot at Martinsville Speedway just after 5:30 Sunday evening, according to sta...
Martinsville, VA Race

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (CBS News) — Several people were hit by a car in a parking lot at Martinsville Speedway just after 5:30 Sunday evening, according to state police.

Emergency crews say a fan leaving the NASCAR race went into a group of people near the helicopter pad.

Emergency services say they do not know the reason, or whether it was accidental or on purpose.

The parking lot was congested with vehicles and pedestrians when a Chevy convertible attempted to pass a Jeep, according to state police, the convertible then hit the Jeep and several nearby pedestrians.

Police say the man operating the vehicle has been taken into custody.

A total of 22 people were injured, according to state police, with the majority treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Those injured range in age from 13 to 65.

Seven people were taken to Memorial Hospital in Martinsville and two others were transported to Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden, N.C.

Emergency crews say no one was airlifted from the scene and they do not know the extent of injuries, but they say they do not believe anyone has any life-threatening injuries.

There were no fatalities.

Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and came in third in the race, tweeted the statement below:

Witnesses on the scene say they were asked to pull back into their parking spaces, as rescue teams were in the parking lot.

The driver of the Chevy is currently being interviewed by Virginia State Police.

They say alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the crash.

State Police say charges are pending consultation with Henry County Commonwealth’s Attorney Andrew Nester.

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