The brother of a NSW man whose car crashed through a barrier during a demolition derby in the state’s north-west leaving several hospitalised says the man “blacked out” behind the wheel.

A 54-year-old man was left in a critical condition while 12 more were injured about 6.15pm on Saturday night at the Walcha Showground, about an hour north-east of Tamworth, when the vehicle slammed through a barrier and hit a mobile grandstand .

Police said it had been involved in a collision during the demolition derby shortly before the incident.

The driver — a 27-year-old man — is not accused of any wrongdoing.

The 54-year-old and a 34-year-old man who sustained serious head injuries were airlifted to John Hunter Hospital where they remain.

A 74-year-old man, who was airlifted to St George Hospit

See Full Page