SALEM — A drag race at the Quaker City Motorsports Park in Salem ended in tragedy as the Mahoning County coroner has confirmed one fatality following a crash Saturday night.

A jet propelled dragster crashed during a race, killing the driver, who social media accounts associated with the racing industry identified as Al Zukauskas of Chicago.

“For years, Al entertained thousands of fans at our annual Cornwell Tools Night Under Fire, among other events, and we were truly looking forward to having him at this year’s Cornwell Tools Night Under Fire in his Hot Blade jet dragster,” Summit Motorsports Park Media and Public Relations director Mary Lendzion posted on the Summit Motorsports Park Facebook page on Sunday.

“In addition to being professional, he was passionate about being a jet vehicle pilot, and putting on a show for fans. That, along with his personality, made him beloved here at Summit Motorsports Park.”

The cause of the accident is under investigation. Video of the incident taken by a spectator indicates the dragster crashed into the track’s side wall.

First responders reported the dragster rolled over and caught fire. The vehicle hit a top speed of 286 mph. The crash happened around 6:30 p.m. and the fatality was announced to spectators by the track public address announcer.

The event was billed as “IHRA Sportsman Spectacular and Night of Fire.”

No further information was available Sunday night.