Calls for help and cries of agony rang through the Paqpaqli għall-Istrina motor show yesterday as first aiders scrambled to assist more than two dozen injured.

“Somebody do something, call an ambulance for God’s sake. Oh my God. No,” One man cried, as panic overcame him at the sight of the tragic car crash. Twenty-six people were injured when a Porsche 918 Spyder supercar span out of control and drove straight into a crowd of spectators.

Thousands of people had trickled into the motor show held along one of the taxiways of Malta International Airport. However, by about 2.30pm most were in a state of shock. Some consoled each other, others stared blankly, too shocked to speak as paramedics treated the injured.

I haven’t cried yet but I know I will

“I couldn’t help, I couldn’t move, I just stood and watched. I didn’t know what to do,” one motorsport enthusiast said shortly before receiving treatment for shock.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who had attended the event held to raise funds for the Malta Community Chest Fund, said she was traumatised. Although she had left the event by the time of the incident, she returned shortly after and later visited the injured in hospital.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil and Archbishop Charles Scicluna also visited the injured. At a press conference in the evening, Ms Coleiro Preca appeared physically shaken. Fighting back tears she told reporters: “I haven’t cried yet but I know I will. This was a terrible incident.”

The scenes of mayhem around the track after the accident and, above, donors queue to give blood in the wake of the tragedy. Photos: Steve Zammit Lupi

Asked whether adequate safety measures had been taken - given that her Office is involved in the organisation and promotion of the event - the President said a magisterial inquiry was underway. She did not wish to influence it in any way.

Asked, whether she felt an element of responsibility, she said: “I feel responsible whenever something like this happens because I am the President of the Maltese people.”

Ms Coleiro Preca said the event was covered by insurance and the Community Chest Fund would support all the victims involved. Attempts to reach the event organisers were unsuccessful by the time of writing.

Prayers and solidarity

The Curia in a statement said: “Prayers and thoughts go to those hurt during the driving accident”.

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil also expressed solidarity on behalf of the party and thanked rescuers and the medical staff.

Alternattiva Demokratika too expressed solidarity with the injured.

The Malta Motorsport Federation said it was saddened by the accident. “Our thoughts at this difficult time are with the injured and their families.”

Writing on social media, many motor enthusiasts expressed horror at the incident and others used the event to make a renewed call for a racetrack to be built.

Psychological assistance

A helpline for people who may require psychological help was set up yesterday. The numbers are 2122 6226 and 2124 0568.

People may also seek psychological assistance at Mater Dei Hospital today from 9am and again at noon by calling at the hospital reception.