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'Like an explosion': New details emerge after Targa Tasmania tragedy

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read
Police and paramedics, pictured here at the crash site at the Targa Tasmania.
Two more racers were killed at the Targa Tasmania on Saturday. Image: 7News

Fresh details have emerged after two more competitors were killed at the Targa Tasmania rally car race on Saturday.

Just 24 hours after 68-year-old Shane Navin was killed in a crash on Friday, a fellow driver and co-driver also died in an accident on Saturday.

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Saturday's crash occurred in the state's Huon Valley, southwest of Hobart, on the Cygnet stage of the 2000km race about 11.45am.

The racers have since been identified as 68-year-old Leigh Mundy from Hobart, and 59-year-old Dennis Neagle from Withcott in Queensland.

A resident of Lower Wattle Grove who witnessed the crash said the car went airborne before losing control.

Leigh Mundy and Dennis Neagle, pictured here before their tragic deaths.
Leigh Mundy and Dennis Neagle. Image: Facebook

β€œHe got airborne here and then I heard him land, and when he landed, he bellied out and just lost control,” he told News Corp.

β€œThe next minute it was like an explosion, and it echoed everywhere.

β€œIt was good to see a lot of the other competitors, when they saw what had happened, there were about eight cars that pulled up and got out to help.”

Acting Inspector Sally Cottrell said the incident would be investigated by the coroner.

β€œIt’s a normal stretch of road, it’s a straight stretch of road and in good condition,” she said.

β€œIt’s a very tragic set of circumstances that has occurred and our thoughts do go out to the relatives of the deceased.”

Aussie motorsport community in shock

Targa Australia chief executive Mark Perry said the motorsport community was in shock.

β€œThis has been a devastating few days for the Targa family,” Perry said.

β€œOur thoughts and deepest condolences go to Leigh and Dennis’ family and friends.

β€œBoth loved Targa and we knew them so well, which makes their passing so difficult for everyone in our community. They will be sorely missed by us all.

β€œWe feel greatly for the family and friends who have lost those so precious to them.”

Shane Navin's car, pictured here after his fatal crash in the Targa Tasmania.
Crews work to retrieve Shane Navin's car after his fatal crash. Image: ABC News/Twitter

It comes after NSW driver Navin died on Friday in a crash on the Lyell Highway on the second-last day of the event.

Navin was killed after his red 1979 Mazda RX-7 rolled about 10am on Friday on the Lyell Highway in the state's remote west.

His co-driver, Glenn Evans, was uninjured, a statement from race organisers said.

Emergency crews were unable to revive Navin after the crash, about 35 kilometres into the Mount Arrowsmith stage of the race.

Saturday's incident is the fourth fatal crash in the event's 26-year history.

In 2013, 71-year-old NSW driver John Mansell was killed when his Porsche ran off the road and into a tree at Exton.

Melbourne navigator Ian Johnson died in 1996 after a crash in the state's northwest.

with AAP

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