[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 67 (Thursday, May 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          TRAGEDY AT THE LOWE'S MOTOR SPEEDWAY IN CONCORD, NC

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                            HON. ROBIN HAYES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2000

  Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for millions of Americans who 
were relieved to learn that no fatalities were suffered in the tragic 
accident that occurred in my hometown of Concord, NC this past weekend. 
As many of you know, a pedestrian bridge at the Lowe's Motor Speedway 
collapsed injuring 107 people last Saturday night after the NASCAR 
Winston stock car race. In time, I hope that investigators will 
determine the cause of the accident. Today, however, I want to 
recognize the men and women who provided emergency response to the 
accident and prevented what could have been a substantial loss of life.
  Unfortunately, two individuals remain in critical condition, and I 
know you will join me in praying for their swift recovery. But 
amazingly, the other 105 individuals treated for injury are in stable 
condition or have already been released from the hospital. Mr. Speaker, 
this kind of emergency medical response speaks volumes about the 
quality of our professionals who represent the EMS and law enforcement. 
Doctors, nurses and medics from the greater Charlotte area have not 
treated this many people from one serious accident in recent memory. 
And yet their rapid, on-site medical attention to the victims of this 
catastrophe demonstrated a superior degree of preparation and training.
  Most of our local medical facilities were represented in this 
miraculous effort. We in North Carolina owe a debt of gratitude to the 
fine staffs of Rowan Regional Medical Center, Carolinas Medical Center, 
the University Hospital and Presbyterian Hospital. In particular, Mr. 
Speaker, I want to recognize NorthEast Medical Center in Concord. It is 
my understanding that under the leadership of my friend Larry Hinsdale 
NorthEast's handling of this major emergency was flawless.

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