26 people have been injured at a motor show in Malta after a car lost control and crashed into spectators. Three people - including a six-year-old child - are in a critical condition after the incident at the Paqpaqli ghal-Istrina motor show, when a Porsche 918 Spyder supercar ploughed into the crowd.

According to reports from the Times of Malta the car spun out of control on the road at high speed and smashed into the spectators.

Speaking to the Times of Malta, an eyewitness described scenes of panic and chaos. "The car was speeding down the taxiway when a back wheel went on the grass. The car spun out of control, went through the barriers where a large crowd was watching, and into the area of the static car exhibition. Many people were hit, there was chaos and screams," the eyewitness added.

Of the 26 injured, five reportedly received critical injuries and were taken to intensive care. Among those injured were a child in the crowd and the driver of the car Paul Bailey a multi-millionaire who also owns a McLaren P1 and LaFerrari.

Describing the scene an eyewitness said: "The car was speeding down the taxiway when a back wheel went on the grass. The car spun out of control, went through the barriers where a large crowd was watching, and into the area of the static car exhibition. Many people were hit, there was chaos and screams."

A spokesman for event organizers told the Times of Malta that an investigation into the crash would take place. It was speculated that the car or wheel may have developed a fault.

The motor show was a fundraising event, held to raise money for community charity L-Istrina. The president of Malta, Marie Louise Coleiro, postponed a trip to the UK in order to visit the crash victims in hospital.

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