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VIDEO: Car plows into spectators during race, one dead, people scream in panic
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Conflict & Security

VIDEO: Car plows into spectators during race, one dead, people scream in panic

From Veฤernji List · (2h ago) Croatian Critical tone

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A spectator died and two others were injured after a car veered off course during the Rally Sudamericano in Argentina.
  • Paraguayan driver Didier Arias lost control of his Volkswagen Polo R5, crashing into the crowd during the FIA CODASUR Rally.
  • The race was immediately stopped, and an investigation into the incident has been launched by organizers and supported by the FIA.

The world of motorsport is in mourning following a tragic accident at the Rally Sudamericano in Argentina, where a spectator lost their life and others were injured. This devastating event occurred during the FIA CODASUR Rally, a prestigious event that turned into a scene of horror when Paraguayan driver Didier Arias's Volkswagen Polo R5 veered off the track and plowed into the spectators.

The incident happened on a challenging section of the course. Video footage circulating online shows Arias's car hitting a roadside embankment, losing control, and rolling multiple times before coming to rest on its side amidst the crowd. The chaotic scenes that followed saw panicked fans scrambling to escape the out-of-control vehicle. While the driver and co-driver escaped serious injury, the outcome for those who came to watch was dire.

Emergency services were quick to respond. The 25-year-old spectator who sustained severe injuries was rushed to the hospital but tragically succumbed to his wounds. Another person suffered a broken leg. The race was immediately halted, and authorities, in collaboration with the Automobile Club of Argentina (ACA) and CODASUR, have initiated an investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to this catastrophe.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has expressed its deep regret over the incident, offering condolences to the victim's family and assuring full support for the ongoing investigation. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in motorsport and the critical importance of safety protocols for both participants and spectators.

We are deeply shocked by this tragic event. We express our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, and our thoughts are with all those injured and affected by this accident. We thank the emergency services and medical teams for their swift response.

โ€” FIAThe International Automobile Federation's official statement expressing sorrow and support following the fatal rally accident.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.