At an event known as the “H-Town Throwdown” in Hartshorne, Oklahoma, two first responders lost their lives when their vehicle was involved in a crash during the drag-racing portion of the festival. The incident took place on Saturday, and occurred at a section of the event circuit where emergency personnel were stationed.

County officials from McAlester/Pittsburg County Emergency Management expressed profound sorrow, noting that the deceased gave their lives in service to the community.

The drag-racing event had been set up within town streets as part of a fall festival. A preceding incident on Friday had already claimed another life: a volunteer setting up lighting for the event who was electrocuted.

Local residents have begun organising memorial efforts for the victims’ families and there are calls for stricter safety standards to prevent similar tragedies in future.