One person is in a critical condition and 11 others are in a serious but stable condition after burning fuel sprayed into the crowd at the Red CentreNATS racing event in Alice Springs.

Vision taken by spectators at the Alice Springs Inland Dragway shows flames soaring up from the track after fuel ignited from a car doing burnouts on Sunday afternoon.

Several people ran from the sidelines as the flames spread, and several people were badly burnt.

Twelve people are being treated at Alice Springs Hospital, the event organisers said in a statement.

The hospital is preparing to airlift some patients to Adelaide for specialist burns treatment.

Thousands of people have been in Alice Springs for the event this weekend, which brings motoring enthusiasts from across the country to Central Australia.

“Due to the incident, the organisers ceased the competition so the focus can be on the people who are in need of assistance,” Northern Territory Major Events Company said.

“[We] acknowledge the respect that attendees gave to the situation and encourage any spectators affected to seek support and medical assistance.”

Police are currently investigating the incident.

-ABC