Lillington Man Killed By Flying Engine At Drag Race

Authorities say that a spectator suffered fatal personal injuries at Harrells Raceway in Harrells on May 16 when he was hit by an engine that had been sent hurtling towards him by a crash.

The wreck happened during a drag race shortly before 9:30 p.m. and caused the death of Lillington resident Terry McDougald, according to the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office.

In the crash, one of the drivers, Brooklyn, New York resident Joseph Wactor lost control of his drag car, which was traveling at an estimated rate of 130 mph, and collided with a guard rail. The vehicle began to disintegrate and the engine flew a distance of about 100 feet before hitting McDougald, who was standing alongside the track’s chain-link fence.

A burning fuel cell that also flew from the vehicle injured a second spectator, who has not been identified. That person received transport to New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington.

Wactor sustained multiple injuries, but declined medical treatment, according to authorities.

Other flying debris from the vehicle struck several other vehicles, but no other injuries were reported.