Six people rushed to hospital suffering burns after an explosion at an Outback Aussie desert race

A ‘serious campfire accident’ has left six young men in hospital during a popular outback desert race after suffering burns when a car part exploded.

The incident took place on Saturday near the Deep Well checkpoint, which is part of the Finke Desert Race circuit, about 80km south-west of Alice Springs.

Six people suffered burns after the bonfire explosion before managing to reach the checkpoint where they were treated by paramedics from St John Ambulance NT.

The spectators are believed to have suffered first and second degree burns and were taken to Alice Springs Hospital for treatment.”

The campfire incident was caused by the explosion of a shock absorber,” NT Health told Daily Mail Australia.

Six spectators watching the annual Finke Desert Race (pictured) in the Northern Territory on Saturday were injured after a mysterious explosion

The spectators are believed to have suffered first and second degree burns and were taken to hospital for treatment, while some were flown across the highway to receive specialist care (pictured by competitors taking part in the race)

‘Six male patients from Victoria, aged between 18 and 23 years, were admitted to Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) on Sunday 9 June following a serious campfire accident near the Finke Desert Race circuit on Saturday 8 June,’ NT Health said.

‘Three patients were transferred to the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) via the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) and two patients were transferred to The Alfred via CareFlight on Sunday 9 June.

“Our thoughts are with the patients, family and friends of the injured young men and any witnesses to the distressing incident at the Finke Desert Race event.

‘NT Health would like to thank the first responders, St John Ambulance, NT Police and all NT Health staff involved in the response, particularly the staff at Alice Springs Hospital and the Medical Retrieval teams for their excellent response and care for the injured patients.”

Held annually over the King’s Birthday long weekend, the Finke Desert Race is a multi-terrain off-road race and the largest sporting event in the Northern Territory.

The race is held over four days along a 460 kilometer dirt road from Alice Springs to the remote indigenous community of Aputula.

More than 600 competitors take part in the race, with riders racing their motorcycles, sprint cars and utes on the rugged terrain.

The race (pictured) is held every year over the King’s Birthday long weekend, along a 460 kilometer dirt road from Alice Springs to the remote indigenous community of Aputula.

Spectators had been warned by race organizers to be careful when lighting fires and to ensure all fires are extinguished when people have finished using them (spectators gathered at a checkpoint on part of the Finke Desert race track)

Race organizers told Daily Mail Australia that St John Ambulance Medical teams are stationed at every checkpoint along the Finke Desert Race circuit.

“We understand they were able to assist the campers when they reported last night,” a spokesperson said.

‘Campers have always been advised to exercise extreme caution and monitor all fires along the circuit.

“The organizers of the Finke Desert Race are generally pleased with the behavior of the spectators and look forward to welcoming the best riders and racers back to the Alice Springs finish line on Monday.”

Race organizers earlier on Sunday issued a warning to spectators on their website and their social media pages, urging them to follow all safety measures that have been put in place.

‘We need all spectators along the track to always follow all safety instructions. These instructions are designed to protect you and others,” they said.

This included standing at least 100 feet away from the track, staying behind all flags and signage, and obeying no-go zones for spectators.

The warning stated that the race will be stopped if spectators do not adhere to safety instructions.

Campers were also warned to use extra caution when lighting fires, according to the website.

‘Don’t forget to bring your own firewood. Use extreme caution on all fires; these should be closely monitored and fully extinguished when done,” they said.

Northern Territory Police have been contacted for comment.