State Fire Marshal’s Office investigating accident at Hartwell Speedway that left one dead

Fire Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Office are assisting the Georgia State Patrol and the Hart County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation into the accident last weekend at the Hartwell Speedway that killed a spectator and injured two others.

On Thursday, Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner John F. King announced his investigators are inspecting the track’s permits and ensuring the track itself was up to code at the time of the accident.

King did not provide any more information but said his office would provide more updates as they are available.

Georgia State Patrol Hartwell Post trooper Sgt Webb tells WNEG News a race car driven by John Bohannon of Toccoa broke its steering shaft during the race.

The car went up a wall and through a fence hitting 58-year-old Paul Ballinger of Royston, killing him.

A spectator, 22-year-old Ricky Hamilton of Danielsville was also injured as was a 9-year-old boy.

Both were taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital.  Their conditions are unknown.

Bohannon suffered minor injuries.

Webb said no charges would be filed against the driver.