WARNING: GRAPHIC DETAIL A rally driver lost control of his car and careered into spectators after rolling several times – leaving one fan dead and others injured in a horrific crash
A rally driver lost control of his car and careered into spectators after rolling several times in a horrific crash.
One person was killed and another two injured in the drama over the weekend during a round of the South American Rally Championship held in the Argentinian province of Cordoba.
Distressing footage showed race fans trying to jump out of the way as a Volkswagen Polo with Paraguayan drivers Didier Arias and Hector Nunez inside crashed on a bend and hurtled towards them. One of the spectators could be overheard shouting: “No, brother-in-law, no” as a woman in the foreground who was among the casualties grabbed hold of her ankle and screamed in pain: “My leg” as the rally car came to a stop in the background on its side.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
The race was suspended after the tragedy as the man killed was identified as a 25-year-old local called Braian Zarate Gonzalez.
A neighbourhood association from the area of the city of Cordoba where Braian came from, said in a tribute alongside a black ribbon photo of the dead man late yesterday: “We share the pain of such a irreparable lost.
“Braian sadly, lost his life in the accident occurred this morning during the rally in our province. It’s a sad day for our neighbourhood. A big hug to all his family.”
His aunt Barbara Gonzalez said in an emotional message on social media: “My divine love, why did this have to happen to you?
“You left my heart destroyed… a whole life ahead of you. A lifetime won’t be enough for me to get over this. I always asked God to take care of all of you; it was unfair, my beloved nephew. Your aunt will love you for her whole life.”
A woman aged 40 suffered a broken ankle and her young daughter was also hurt but not seriously.
Race organisers said in a statement afterwards: “During the course of the competition, an incident occurred on a timed section that resulted in an accident with serious consequences.
“Unfortunately, as a result of this event, the death of a spectator who was in the area has been confirmed. The established safety protocols for the race were immediately activated, with emergency medical and police rescue services present at the event intervening.
“The sporting authorities, together with the relevant bodies, are working to clarify the circumstances of the incident. Assistance has also been provided to the family members and loved ones of the deceased. The event has been definitively suspended.
“The organisation expresses its deepest sorrow for what has happened and stands with the family and loved ones during this difficult time.”