The weekend drag race in Salem turned from excitement to horror. Adrenaline, excitement and frenzy are what you associate with drag racing and the residents of Quaker city were in the middle of a wonderful weekend before tragedy struck.

According to media reports, a drag racer was driving a jet-propelled car and had a fatal crash during the event that caused his unfortunate death.

Weekend drag race turns sour

Al Zukauskas’ car crashed into a barrier after the driver lost control of his vehicle, as per the reports of the authorities. The vehicle caught fire before tumbling into the second barrier. The driver hit a top speed of 286mph based on the preliminary investigations.

The announcer present that day informed the spectators at the dusk of dawn, around 6:30 pm, about the unfortunate and severe accident. His family, too, was present for the race and the announcement.

“For years, Al entertained thousands of fans at our annual Cornwell Tools Night Under Fire, among other events, and we were truly looking forward to having him at this year’s Cornwell Tools Night Under Fire in his Hot Blade jet dragster,” Summit Motorsports Park Media and Public Relations director Mary Lendzion posted on the Summit Motorsports Park Facebook page on Sunday.

“In addition to being professional, he was passionate about being a jet vehicle pilot, and putting on a show for fans. That, along with his personality, made him beloved here at Summit Motorsports Park.”

Internet shocked at the fatal accident

The violent and destructive accident left spectators present and racing community members in deep grief. Videos and photos of the crash online sparked a discussion on the safety concerns in such high rush events and the internet was full of heart-touching messages and condolences.

Let’s take a look at some reactions on the internet.

It completely shook users online to learn about the accident and this user sent prayers and condolences.

Oh no, we are so sorry for your loss. 💔

— Dax & Dexter (house panthers) & Angel Ridley🌈 (@ridley_aka) July 23, 2023

Oh no, we are so sorry for your loss. 💔

— Dax & Dexter (house panthers) & Angel Ridley🌈 (@ridley_aka) July 23, 2023

This user shared his condolences after learning what happened.

The internet was distraught and this user, too, echoed the same emotions.

Just a plain emoji was enough to describe this user’s feelings.

The news certainly is a stark reminder of the hazards in racing and how drivers are always in the face of adversity. The Quaker city community expressed great grief over his passing away and urged authorities to investigate the incident and decipher the cause of the accident.

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