Speedway fans had a lucky escape when a flying motorcycle missed them by a whisker.
Footage shows one of the competitors losing control on a curve and falling from his bike, which was then launched over the safety barrier.
The machine somersaulted through the air towards spectators before landing just inches away, as fans scrambled to get out of the way in panic.
READ MORE: Beauty queen made chilling call to mum before suspicious balcony fall
The incident happened during a race in Opole, Poland, on Sunday (26 Apr).
OK Kolejarz Opole were hosting Latvia’s Lokomotiv Daugavpils in the third round of the National Speedway League.
In heat 4, on the second bend of the opening lap, 16-year-old Emil Rimican clipped his teammate Oleg Mikhailov, lost control and came off his bike onto the track.
Fortunately, spectators – including children – reacted quickly and moved clear of the danger zone.
No fans were injured, but Rimican was taken away on a stretcher, initially to an ambulance and then to hospital, prompting a suspension of the event.
He was later examined and found to be uninjured, as reported by Need To Know.
Local media suggested the relatively low attendance may have helped limit the potential consequences.
After the meeting resumed, the home side went on to win 51–36.
One viewer commented online: “Fortunately, everyone was watching and not sitting with their heads in their phones. In some countries, there would have been 10 people killed.”
Another person wrote: “Shocking, because two weeks ago at the Golden Helmet the stadium was full of fans. It’s scary to think what could have happened then.”
A third viewer added: “It happens, it’s motorsport. Stay at home and stop complaining.”
READ MORE: Ex-footballer found dead in bed after suffering sudden heart attack
