At a pop-up car rally in Wildwood over the weekend authorities in southern New Jersey say at least two people were killed amid multiple crashes.
There were a series of car crashes related to the “unsanctioned” car meet-up event, according to the report, Mayor Pete Byron told NJ Advance Media on Sunday. Byron said the two victims “were in a golf cart” but in the event weren’t believed to be taking part.
Byron said on the identities of those killed or the nature of the crash he didn’t have additional information.
From the Fall Classic Car Show taking place officials had issued warnings earlier about what they called an unsanctioned car rally separate.
To gather and check out cars participants say it gives enthusiasts a chance, but officials in other areas such as Ocean City, Maryland, have reported problems stemming from the event in previous years.
On social media sites ideas showed modified vehicles revving engines and speeding off to cheers from crowds gathered on the streets, NJ.com reported.
WCAU-TV said social media posts also showed people hanging out of cars as drivers saved three damaged vehicles. During clean-up efforts, Cape May prosecutors reported one person was in custody in connection with a fatal crash WCAU-TV reported damage to storefronts and downed traffic meters seen Sunday morning.
Angel Fioravanti told the station “The noise was unbelievable, the cars were outrageous, speeding up and down the street”. “It was scary because I saw people trying to walk off the sidewalk onto the street, and cars were weaving in and out of the traffic, revving their engines, the noise was atrocious. It really was.”
In a social media post the Wildwood Board of Commissioners said that the mayor had sought additional support from the governor, and state police and other police departments from as far away as Atlantic City were responding.
“In, and despite being grossly outmanned every available police officer and fire patrol was called, to keep up with the calls are doing a great job as dispatch works extremely hard,” the board said. “To disburse the cars and crowds as we work please stay inside and off the streets.”
Mayor Tim Donahue said in a statement, NJ.com reported hundreds also showed up at a Middle Township parking lot Friday night. “About our streets there is much to still be learned this weekend about the reckless chaos that has descended,” he said, vowing “a thorough investigation” and criminal charges.
The board said “Every available police officer and fire patrol was called in, and despite being grossly outmanned, are doing a great job as dispatch works extremely hard to keep up with the calls”, asking people to stay indoors.
“In the chaos overnight in Wildwood we pray for the families of those who were senselessly killed and maimed”, he said. “The scenes are horrifying.”
In light of reports of multiple “pop-up meets” over the weekend Wildwood and North Wildwood police earlier vowed to have extra personnel on duty.
North Wildwood Chief John Stevenson said. “At the Fall Classic Car Show we hope everyone has a good time in Wildwood and the Irish Fall Festival here but we will not tolerate the nonsense”.
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