A co-owner from Cruise-Herts told the Comet he had wanted to call police “literally seconds before” last night’s crash in Stevenage, which resulted in 17 people being injured.

The Comet: People watched as the horror unfolded. Picture: SWD Media/Adam FreedPeople watched as the horror unfolded. Picture: SWD Media/Adam Freed (Image: Archant)

Rix Sidhu has been a co-owner at Cruise-Herts for 10 years, but has had a passion for cars for much longer than that.

The modified car club has been hosting Thursday Night Takeover, a weekly static car meet, for 17 years.

But following last night's tragedy, which saw two cars collide in Monkswood Way before hitting a number of pedestrians, Rix says Cruise-Herts will never be doing a weekly meet-up again.

READ MORE: Horror as two cars plough into crowd in Stevenage

The Comet: Police markings on the road remain visible after a crash in Monkswood Way, Stevenage, last night. Picture: TGS PhotoPolice markings on the road remain visible after a crash in Monkswood Way, Stevenage, last night. Picture: TGS Photo (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

He insists that Cruise-Herts has only ever been about "bringing together a community of car enthusiasts".

"It's always just been about showing off our pride and joy," said Rix.

"We are not boy racers, we never have been. It's unfair that we have been targeted with that label."

Cruise Herts say they have never condoned racing at their events.

The Comet: Stevenage crash: The exit for the Roaring Meg South car park, where the collision occurred. Picture: TGS PhotoStevenage crash: The exit for the Roaring Meg South car park, where the collision occurred. Picture: TGS Photo (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

The weekly meet-ups are advertised as 'static meets', meaning cars are supposed to be admired from a stationary position.

Approximately 400 people turned up last night at the Roaring Meg South car park, but some were pictured standing on both sides of the road on the exit to the car park, as well as the central reservation between.

Speaking on last night's crash, which occurred at about 9.45pm, Rix says it was like nothing he had seen before.

"I could hear some commotion going on around KFC, so I started walking down the main road towards it," he said.

The Comet: Police are asking anyone who witnessed what happened or may have footage of the incident to email OPtepphra@herts.pnn.police.uk. Picture: TGS PhotoPolice are asking anyone who witnessed what happened or may have footage of the incident to email OPtepphra@herts.pnn.police.uk. Picture: TGS Photo (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

"The black Toyota had done a reckless donut in KFC and the other car was heading down the main road at excess speed.

"At that moment [of the crash], it was just instant shock.

"I could hear people screaming and our first aid team just rushed to help."

READ MORE: Seventeen injured after two cars crash and hit pedestrians in Stevenage

The Comet: Debris left at the scene following last night's crash which took place near to Stevenage FC's football ground. Picture: TGS PhotoDebris left at the scene following last night's crash which took place near to Stevenage FC's football ground. Picture: TGS Photo (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

Rix said both drivers involved in the crash were not connected to the club.

The group also say they have always co-operated with Herts police, with a dedicated liasion officer always working alongside the police force.

Rix says that he had considered calling the police last night, just seconds before the incident occured.

"I thought to myself that it was getting dangerous," he said.

The Comet: Cruise-Herts organiser Rix Sidhu speaking at the scene of a crash involving two cars on Monkswood Way in Stevenage. Picture: Yui Mok/PA WireCruise-Herts organiser Rix Sidhu speaking at the scene of a crash involving two cars on Monkswood Way in Stevenage. Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire

"You could see something might happen. I wanted to call them [the police] literally seconds before."

Last night's meet was raising money for 4Louis - a UK charity that works across the country to support anyone affected by miscarriage, stillbirth and the death of a baby or child.