Wheel From Racing Car Injures Four at Norwood Arena-This Day in Norwood History-June 3, 1954

One Of Victims Still Hospitalized

Flying Wheel Injures Four Spectators at Norwood Arena Stock Car Races

A night of high‑speed excitement at the Norwood Arena turned suddenly dangerous late Saturday when a wheel tore loose from a speeding stock car, sailed over a high wire safety fence, and crashed into the grandstand, injuring four spectators. One of the victims remains hospitalized.

One Still Hospitalized

Miss Dorothy Gamelin, 21, of 61 Cedar Street, Taunton, suffered the most serious injuries. Norwood Hospital officials report she sustained a fractured right ankle and fractured left leg and remains under care.

Three others were treated for minor injuries and released:

• Joan Clery, 18, of 23 Presbury Avenue, Taunton
• Leo Geoffry, 19, of 156 Thornton Avenue, Lowell
• Joseph Pelletier, 30, of 328 Monoth Road, Lowell

All four were struck when the wheel—described by witnesses as “coming out of nowhere”—landed in the stands during the sixth race of the night.

Police Respond Quickly

Norwood police officers on duty at the track immediately assisted the injured and transported them to Norwood Hospital. The race program was halted briefly as officials assessed the situation and cleared the area.

A Grim Reminder of a Past Tragedy

Saturday’s accident brought back memories of a similar incident four years ago, when the wife of a Westwood physician was fatally injured after being struck in the head by a flying wheel during a race at the same venue. That tragedy prompted safety improvements at the arena, including the installation of the high wire fence the wheel cleared on Saturday night.

A Sport of Thrills—and Risks

Stock car racing at the Norwood Arena has long been one of the region’s most popular weekend attractions, drawing thousands of spectators who come for the speed, noise, and spectacle. But the sport carries inherent risks, and Saturday’s incident served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of high‑speed competition.

Track officials have not yet released a statement regarding any additional safety measures that may be considered following the latest accident.

Norwood Messenger

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