Two children killed in Texas drag racing accident

A driver lost control during a Texas drag racing event and slammed into a crowd of spectators, killing two children and injuring eight other people Saturday, authorities said.

A six-year-old boy and an eight-year-old boy were killed in the crash Saturday afternoon at an event called “Airport Race Wars 2” at the Kerrville-Kerr County Airport, police said in a news release.

The organised event involved drivers speeding down a runway as they competed for cash.

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The driver “lost control and left the runway, crashing into parked vehicles and striking spectators who were observing the races,” Kerrville police said.

The injured victims were taken to various hospitals, including a 46-year-old woman who was listed in critical condition.

The majority of the other injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, although the condition of a 26-year-old man was unknown, authorities said.

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A four-year-old boy and a three-month-old girl were taken to a hospital for precautionary evaluations.

Kerrville is just under 100klm north-west of San Antonio.

Authorities did not immediately release the identities of the two children who were killed.

The Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau's website promoted the event as an “action packed, family-friendly day” in which fans could watch the “fastest drag cars compete for over US$8000 ($10,711) in total prizes.”