Pocono Raceway has released
a statement on the death of a fan due to a lightning strike at the conclusion
of yesterday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pennsylvania 400.
“As
reported yesterday, a longtime member of our Pocono Raceway family, a spectator
has passed away following a lightning strike. According to Monroe County
Coroner Robert Allen, the name of the deceased is 41-year old Moosic,
Pennsylvania resident Brian Zimmerman. Additionally; nine other individuals were
transferred to local hospitals as a result of two separate lightning strikes.
“At approximately 5:01 p.m. Eastern Time, the first lightning strike occurred on property inside our Grandstand Parking area, located near Gate 5A. A Pocono Raceway Grandstand Fire unit was stationed in the vicinity and witnessed the actual strike. The response was immediate, as the unit reported the incident to our control tower and advised (that) spectators were injured. CPR was started immediately to Mr. Zimmerman by a friend on the scene.
“Within a matter of three minutes, medical personnel and additional emergency services reported on the scene and took control of treatment to individuals. EMT responders were approached by additional individuals who reported symptoms related to the lightning strike. Those affected were taken to the Raceway Medical Centers, where they were examined and transported to local area hospitals for treatment and further evaluation. A total of nine individuals were treated as a result of the initial lightning strike.
“At approximately 6:35 p.m. Eastern Time, the control tower was notified of a second possible lightning strike in the vicinity near Gate 3. The individual was immediately transported to Pocono Raceway's Infield Medical Center where they were initially treated for minor injuries before being transported to Pocono Medical Center in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania for further evaluation.
“At this point in time, the one individual that was in critical condition has been upgraded to stable. Some have been treated and released. Others involved are pending release as early as today and all are in good spirits. The safety of all guests to Pocono Raceway is of the utmost importance to our entire staff. This tragic event is at the forefront of all of our thoughts and prayers. We will learn from the incident and continue to implement strategies to help ensure the safety of fans and all attendees at future events at Pocono Raceway.”
Does make you wonder why they (Track and NASCAR) didn't heed the warning issued 40 minutes earlier.
ReplyDeleteBy doing what?
DeleteThey were just hell bent on getting to half way. Take the money and run.
ReplyDeleteSorry to mess up your argument with facts, but they had reached halfway quite a bit earlier. Lap 80 was halfway, the race was stopped at lap 98. Sorry
Deletewhy should people be told to come in OUT of the rain is a tailgate party that inportant . at 40 + one does not need a mother to say it might be dangerous. and to have more dummies still out there parting like its a hurricane party.
DeletePrayers to families affected...as for the other remarks...Dave...I don't think they know who they are messing with...Love the Show, As I said God bless all who were affected...sad.
ReplyDeleteI think, had I been there, I might have been one of those people trying to make it to my car instead of waiting it out. Although this would be a tragedy at any racetrack, I can't help feel that it is worse at Pocono where the family atmosphere is so tangible.
ReplyDelete