7 fans injured by flying debris

TALLADEGA, Ala. – Seven fans suffered minor injuries after being struck by flying debris when Carl Edwards’ car went airborne into the safety fence on the final lap of the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday.

Track medical director Bobby Lewis said none of the injuries was life-threatening but two women were airlifted to Birmingham hospitals. Lewis said one, who was taken to UAB Hospital, likely had a broken jaw and also had a cut on her mouth. The other was transported to Brookwood Hospital because of an unspecified medical condition but was not hurt.

Lewis said they were airlifted because of traffic, not the severity of the injuries.

The other injured fans were treated and released, with two choosing to seek treatment locally from their own doctors, track spokeswoman Kristi King said. It wasn’t clear if the fans were hit by debris from the car or the fence.