EIGHT PEOPLE WATCHING an off-road race in California have been killed after a vehicle ploughed into the crowd.

Another 12 people were injured in the accident, and some of those were airlifted to hospital. The race was being held at the Soggy Dry Lake Bed near Lucerne Valley, 100 miles from LA.

Authorities investigating the crash say it appears the vehicle went out of control. They could not confirm if the driver was among the dead.

The California 200 race runs over a 50 mile course and takes place at night, lit only by roof-mounted lights. This footage shows how dark it gets by the end of the race:

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Eight killed in Californian off-road race

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A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.