Through all this, it is important to note that Pocono Raceway did everything within their power to protect the fans at the track by making announcements about the impending storms. This was a very unfortunate incident and my thoughts are with the families of those affected. Track staff made an announcement asking fans to seek shelter due to the proximity of the storm. They made numerous announcements to fans via the track’s PA system about the storm coming in fact, an hour before the lightning was expected to hit with the first storm, all fans were ordered out of the grandstands and into their cars.Īfter the 51 car’s crash, most of the fans started to leave since the second storm was getting close to the track. The track staff did a very good job of ensuring fan safety before and during the storm.

More information will be released a soon as possible. We are in the process up establishing a Memorial Fund is for victims of this incident. 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. This tragic event is at the forefront of all of our thoughts and prayers. 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. Additional information regarding the other nine individuals involved was not yet available.Īt this point in time, the one individual that was in critical condition has now been upgraded to stable. 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.Īs stated last night at 7:40 p.m. Eastern Time, the control tower was notified of a second possible lightning strike in the vicinity near Gate 3. A total of nine individuals were treated as a result of the initial lightning strike.Īt approximately 6:35 p.m. Those affected were taken to the Raceway Medical Centers, where they were examined and transported to local area hospitals for treatment and further evaluation. EMT responders were approached by additional individuals who reported symptoms related to the lightning strike. Within a matter of 3 minutes, medical personnel and additional emergency services reported on the scene and took control of treatment to individuals.

The response was immediate as the unit reported the incident to our control tower and advised spectators were injured. A Pocono Raceway Grandstand Fire unit was stationed in the vicinity and witnessed the actual strike. Eastern Time, the first lightning strike occurred on property inside our Grandstand Parking area, located near Gate 5A. Additionally, we are in constant communication with local and national agencies regarding weather conditions and emergency services.Īt approximately 5:01 p.m. We work in conjunction with NASCAR regarding safety of fans, teams and other attendees throughout the course of our race weekends. As mentioned, our fans are like family to us and we express our deepest condolences to the individuals and families involved, especially Mr. On behalf of the entire staff here at Pocono Raceway, we are deeply saddened by yesterday’s tragic events. 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.

LONG POND, PA (August 6, 2012) – As reported yesterday, a long time member of our Pocono Raceway family, a spectator has passed away following a lightning strike. Brandon Igdalsky, President & CEO of Pocono Raceway, Addresses Lighting Strike Tragedy

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