ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - A street racing crash killed two people, including a 4-year-old child, Saturday night when a vehicle involved in illegal drag racing lost control on Krug Street.

The crash killed 26-year-old Rickey Thomas and the child, according to the Albany Police Department.

>> READ MORE: Man and 4-year-old child killed during drag racing in Albany, APD reports <<

Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler said the deaths are devastating for the community.

“Well, I was just shocked. I mean, I know it happened in the big cities. I mean, here in Albany, it probably happened, but I just never been a part of being. I’ve seen it happen,” Fowler said. “It’s something that can be prevented, but that’s just two lives just taken from for something senseless. So, like I said, this is just a tragedy to Dougherty County.”

Risks beyond the crash

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, illegal drag racing seriously injures more than 100 people each year.

Fowler said drivers need to consider the other dangers that come with street racing beyond the risk of a crash.

“It can be prevented by somebody thinking and not doing it. Just something you don’t have to do. I know a lot of times people get these cars and they want to, they think they’re the fastest one on the road. They want to test it out or whatever, but you got a lot of people standing around. It’s a chance. Anything can happen. A tire can blow out. You can lose control. Anything possible can happen,” Fowler said.

Community member Ren’ee Rentmeester said she is heartbroken two lives were lost over something that could have been avoided.

“Sadness. Very just sad. Just it’s very painful. You know, it was no good reason to for this to happen. It’s so preventable. It makes my heart sick,” Rentmeester said.

Safety experts say stopping street racing requires a combination of visible police enforcement and community tip lines, along with public awareness efforts that remind drivers they are putting not only their own lives at risk, but everyone else on the road as well.

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