Effingham IL County Fair Very Serious Accident / Incident

[racing123]

It's being reported that the wing of the starting gate car got too close to the crowd and struck driver Richard S Finn's 5 yr old daughter in the head...she was airlifted to a St Louis trauma center...please pray for this precious child and the Finn family...also there's a gofundme out there...you can search "the Finn Family" and you'll find it...God be with this young child and heal her...

[Mailbox Money]

This is tragic news. There was a similar situation years ago during jug week in which a drivers wife was hit by it. It will be interesting to see what the investigation reveals! I pray that this injured child makes a speedy and successful recovery!🙏🙏🙏

[Fuguzzi]

Looking at news reports, which are rather lacking in detail. Seeing something about a mechanical failure causing the gate to "fly" into grandstand as the little girl was in front throwing something away. Such a bizarre, freaky thing to happen and if in fact it was the starters own daughter, the odds seem beyond incredible. Very sad, praying for her and all involved.

[HornbyDuke]

Tragic. Harm to young children is very disturbing to me. I can forgo a wager to contribute $25 to this family. Often these situations are quite financially taxing to a family. I hope other punters on here can do the same.

[Jctoronto]

Just awful news
hope she pulls through.

Wishing the GO FUND ME lots of business.

***
Looking at Effingham county fair harness racing you tube footage, from few years back...i see the start car 'folds in' the unused outside portion of gate, looks like slots 5-8....With just inside wing for horse 1-4 and three trailers = 7 starters...again, vid from few yrs back. And maybe thats how lots of fairground racing operates.

1)
Was it the unused portion of their gate possibly that accidentally opened and clipped the crowd along fence on the tight track??
2)
-were there muddy 'start car traction' conditions?

..total speculation. We await authorities OFFICIAL word.

God Bless the little Finn girl and family

[LUCPARK]

very big lawsuit coming

against few people

[Generation XYZ]

This is incredibly horrific. for any spectator to be involved.

[HornbyDuke]

very big lawsuit coming

against few people

Yes. Though from what ive seen over the yrs is always question of whether sued have adequate insurance or deep pockets personally.  Doubt this family has medical insurance.Those costs could be astronomical. Plus and more significant now the family will need $ until any settlement of litigation for loss of work and hotel accomodations at trauma center.

Illinois horsemen organizing go fundme; had goal of 10 k, 28 k already contributed.

[HarnessFan1981]

https://www.gofundme.com/f/m346t-the-finn-family

[LUCPARK]

whats the condition of the little girl anyone  know ?

[Kirbys Ace]

very big lawsuit coming

against few people

Thanks for your concern about THE LITTLE GIRL!

ASSHOLE!

[HoppleBurns]

whats the condition of the little girl anyone  know ?

She passed

[Mailbox Money]

What a tragedy! Terrible news weather you know the family or not. Condolences to the  Finn family.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[Balmoral buzz]

May the little girl Rest In Peace and condolences to the Finn family.

[Jctoronto]

as of 1130a et
34,500 Go Fund Me thus far.

God Bless this little one Harper Finn