Huge Wreck at Daytona: Crash Injures Fans [VIDEO]

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- A horrific multi-car crash moments before the end of the Nationwide race Saturday at Daytona caused Kyle Larson's car to become airborne into the frontstretch catch fencing, sheering off the front half of the car and leaving large pieces of the vehicle inside the fencing. At least 28 people were injured — two critically.

The crash was triggered when leader Regan Smith was turned via contact from Brad Keselowski, who was pushing him.

Mike Helton, President of NASCAR did say that a number of fans were taken to a nearby medical center.

Right now it's a function of trying to determine of what all damage is done. They're moving folks as we've seen to care centers and taking some folks over to Halifax Medical Center. We'll be able to update you later on, but all we know is everybody is working hard on what all happened."

Miraculously, Larson climbed out of what was left of his car when it stopped back on the track.

I hope all the fans are OK,... I took a couple of big hits and saw my engine was gone." - Kyle Larson

The engine from Larson's car was sitting on the front walkway of the grandstand, along with one of the wheels.

At least 10 cars were involved in the crash as the leaders headed for the finish line. Tony Stewart won the race and Sam Hornish Jr. finished second.

The race had restarted with two laps to go after a 13-car accident caused the event to be red-flagged. Driver Michael Annett was transported to a local hospital after his car slammed into the SAFER barrier head on. He was awake, alert and undergoing tests, according to NASCAR.

"We've always known this is a dangerous sport, but it's hard when the fans get caught up in it. As much as we want to celebrate, I'm more concerned about the fans and the drivers right now. There's no easy solution on these tracks."

-Tony Stewart

The impact with the catchfence sheared the entire front off of Larson's car and his engine and a tire ended up lodged in the catchfence. When Larson's car came to rest in the infield, the entire section of the car in front of the cockpit was missing.

Tony Stewart went on to win the race. No major alterations will be in place for the season-opening Daytona 500 on Sunday.

Source: ESPN, Yahoo Sports