Coroner Recommends Stronger Fire Safety Rules After Fatal Off-Road Crash

Two competitors died in an off-road race in Victoria's north-west after their vehicle crashed and was engulfed in flames. Coroner Ingrid Giles, investigating the September 4, 2022, Desert Enduro Race incident, has recommended enhanced fire safety measures for vehicles and participants.

“

unspeakably tragic

Gerald Hoekstra, 46, and Ede Taric, 50, were killed when Mr Hoekstra lost control of their buggy, crashing into a tree. The vehicle rolled and caught fire, with bystanders unable to extinguish the blaze before the Country Fire Authority arrived 12 to 13 minutes later. Both men survived the initial impact but died from the fire.

The investigation revealed the modified Can-Am Maverick X3 buggy, capable of reaching 130km/h, had auxiliary fuel tanks. While inspected and deemed compliant before the race, the coroner noted that a plastic fuel cap and filler neck protruded from the safety cage, making them vulnerable. Upon impact, the cap detached, and without a reflux valve, petrol spilled and ignited easily.

“

I consider that, the fuel tanks had been installed correctly, and were compliant with safety requirements at the time.

Forensic analysis suggested the fire originated from the catalytic converter igniting spilled fuel. The coroner emphasized the tragic nature of the deaths and highlighted the inadequacy of the fire extinguishers used by fellow competitors. The findings point to a need for stricter regulations regarding vehicle modifications and fire suppression systems in off-road racing.

“

Having seen the buggy and watched the video footage of the fire starting, there is no doubt that the cause of the fire was the ignition of petrol vapour rising from the spilled fuel puddling beneath the filler.