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Federal lawsuit filed over fatal Thunder on the Narrows race that killed 7-year-old girl

Posted at 2:53 PM, Aug 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-25 15:14:14-04
The estate of a 7-year-old girl killed last year when a race boat veered off course and into a group of spectators on Kent Island has sued the event's organizers. 
 
A total of 14 spectators have joined the lawsuit, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court.
 
The suit stems from a June 28, 2015 powerboat race that killed the young girl and severely injured many others.
 
The suit was filed against the sponsors of that event, the American Power Boat Association and the Kent Narrows Racing Association, as well as the owners of the vessel. It alleges violations of safety rules, including the failure of race organizers to incorporate the required spectator zone at least 250 feet away from the race course and permitting an unqualified driver to race the speedboat.
 
In 2015, advertisements for the event promoted "up close and personal" racing action. Hydroplane boats are known to reach speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour .
 
 
 

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