Response time investigated

Published reports state the Delaware Harness Racing Commission is investigating the circumstances surrounding the response time by emergency medical technicians at Harrington Raceway in regard to the race accident Monday, May 15, that led to the death of driver Hal Belote.

There have been several different reports out of Harrington regarding the whereabouts of the technicians when the accident occurred during the card's first race. The commission is reportedly investigating a story that the technicians were in the dining room picking up their dinner when the accident occured and not in the ambulance.

Delaware state law requires that an ambulance be on the grounds and staffed during the races, but it is unclear as to any further details. The commission has reportedly asked for and received a copy of the contract between Harrington Raceway and the Harrington Volunteer Fire Co.

A spokesman for the fire company told the Delaware News Journal that the company will make changes to ensure its technicians arrive at the track early enough to have dinner and then be in the ambulance by first-race post time. According to reports, it took three or four minutes for the first technician to reach the accident scene.

« Back