Monster truck mishap in Oregon sends three people to hospital

A monster truck lost traction on a dirt Oregon race track Saturday before hitting a barrier and crossing into the spectator area, where three people were injured, authorities said.

The three who were hurt at the outdoor Harrisburg MotorSports Complex were taken to a hospital in nearby Eugene, according to Linn County Sheriff Tim Mueller. A sheriff spokesman, Sgt. Kevin Guilford, said the victims' injuries were not life threatening.

Their conditions were not available late Saturday.

The 1975 Ford pickup, fitted with large tractor tires, had slowed to about 10 mph just before coming to a stop, Guilford said.

Emergency crews responded to the complex about 30 minutes after "Monster Air 2012" began Saturday afternoon.

The driver reported losing control of the truck before it hit what Guilford said was described as an 8- to 10-foot berm. It remained unclear whether it was the truck or the barrier that then hit the victims, leaving them injured.

Guilford identified the driver as Kyle Atchley.

Event organizers and officials could not be reached for comment.

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