A driver in Sunday's demolition derby competition at the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds was burned when his vehicle erupted in flames during the annual Last Chance Stampede & Fair event.

Keith Hatch, fairgrounds manager, identified the driver as Tom Jester. The extent of Jester's injuries was unknown as of Sunday evening.

However, Hatch said, Jester was being transported to a Salt Lake City burn center for care. It was the first time a competitor in the demolition derby had ever been seriously injured, Hatch said.

"From what I've been told, there was a transmission fluid line that actually ruptured and was spraying into the vehicle," Hatch said. "It got (exposed to) extreme heat and just burst into flames inside the car."

Hatch said the fairgrounds organization was still waiting for details on the accident and word of Jester's condition.

The popular derby, which drew hundreds of spectators Sunday afternoon, involves drivers competing for a small purse by

ramming their cars into other cars in hopes of being the last vehicle running.

Most cars break down or become immobilized due to bodily damage. Few, however, actually erupt in flames.

Renee Olsen, who was taking pictures of the event for Elite Towing of Helena, said flames engulfed Jester's vehicle midway through the event.

"It looked like one of his lines, sort of, just broke," she said. "He did get out pretty quickly. There wasn't an ambulance immediately, but the firefighters were there."

Several derby competitors donated their winnings toward Jester's care. Hatch said a collections box was also going around the fair Sunday evening.

"We did stop the derby after the accident," Hatch said. "It's obviously a tragic incident. We certainly didn't need to end the fair on that note. My heart goes out to him and his family."

Members of Jester's immediate family could not be reached Sunday evening for comment. A member close to the family said Tom Jester's brother, Wally Jester, was with him.