At an off-road racing event in the Mojave Desert last Saturday, 8 people were killed and 10 more were injured when a truck careened off the designated course after a jump. Spectators, in violation of the permit provided by the Bureau of Land Management, had gathered only a few feet from the course in certain locations around the race course. Tragically, it was one of these locations where the accident occurred.
In response to the incident, California senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer are asking the Bureau of Land Management about the safety measures that should have been in place. About 100 of these off-road races are staged yearly on federal land.
Questions and criticisms have been directed to Mojave Desert Racing of El Monte, the promoter of the event. The truck that flew off the course came to a stop only 10 feet away from the track. Had the permit requirements been followed, the loss of life and injuries sustained may have been prevented.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families affected by this tragic accident. The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker is currently investigating the incident in Johnson Valley. If you or a loved one has been injured in an off-road accident, please call us at (800) 333-0000 to schedule a free consultation.