Rally driver's prayers with the injured

The driver of the rally car that crashed into a crowd of spectators at the weekend says his "thoughts and prayers" are with those who were injured.

Five young people were taken to hospital with moderate to serious injuries when a Lotus Cortina hit a bank and rolled during the Dunlop Targa Bambina rally on Sunday afternoon.

Two children were yesterday discharged but an 8-year-old remained in Starship hospital, and a 12-year-old and 15-year-old were still in Middlemore Hospital in a stable condition.

Police and event organisers are investigating the accident, although police say it is too early to say if charges will be laid.

The Cortina was being driven by Don Fenwick, who has been involved with motorsport since the 1960s, and his wife Adrienne Fenwick.

Mr Fenwick told the Herald last night that he had given police a statement but did not want to discuss any further what happened.

However, he said his and his wife's thoughts were with the injured spectators and their families.

"We are still very concerned for the people that got hurt and that's our only concern," he said.

"We are wishing them a speedy recovery and have been following their progress in hospital. We just want to see them come out of there. Then we will be happy."

Mr Fenwick said he and his wife were "deeply shocked" by the accident, which left their car on its roof and badly damaged.

"We are absolutely devastated. The car, it doesn't matter a toss - it's the people."

Rally organiser Mike John said it appeared the victims had been in a cordoned-off area they were warned not to stand in when they were hit.

He did not know if they had been moving through the area or had returned after being told to move.

Mr John said criticisms of a dedicated 0800 number not working after the crash were unfair. He said the number became jammed by a large number of calls but only after news of the accident had been received and help was on its way.

He said the accident was one of those freak things but all safety requirements had been adhered to.