State Fire Marshall Now Involved in Hartwell Motor Speedway Fatal Accident

Fire Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Office office are assisting the Georgia State Patrol and the Hart County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation into the accident last weekend at the Hartwell Motor Speedway that killed a spectator and injured two others.

On Thursday, Commissioner King announced his investigators are inspecting the track.

“Tragically, one person was killed, and two others were injured in this accident,” said Commissioner King. “My investigators are inspecting the track’s permits and ensuring the track itself was up to code at the time of the incident.

King did not provide any more information but said his office would provide more updates as they are available.

Georgia State Patrol Hartwell Post trooper Sgt Webb tells WLHR News a race car driven by John Bohannon of Toccoa broke its steering shaft during the race.

The car went up a wall and through a fence hitting 56-year old Paul Ballinger of Royston, killing him.

A spectator, 22-year-old Ricky Hamilton of Danielsville was also injured as was an 11-year old boy.  Both were hospitalized. Their conditions are unknown.

Bohannon suffered minor injuries.   The incident report did not list any charges against him.