Tragic weekend
Last weekend, decidedly tragic episodes occurred in the world of motorsport, with two fatal accidents happening in different competitions: while at the Nürburgring, Juha Miettinen, 66, died from injuries sustained in an accident involving other cars in the first of the two NLS ‘Qualifiers’ races, in Argentina the tragedy occurred in the FIA CODASUR Rally.
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The competition, recognized by the FIA and held in South America, had reached its second event of the season after the opening round in Brazil, but the tragedy occurred in the Mina Clavero stage. The Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 driven by Didier Arias hit a pile of earth, overturning and ending up in an area reserved for spectators. While some of them managed to dodge the car in time, others sustained injuries, but one of them lost their life.
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Following what happened, the Rally was suspended and an investigation was launched to analyze the accident. The International Federation, meanwhile, published an official statement, expressing its full condolences: “The FIA is deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred today during the second round of the FIA CODASUR Rally Championship at the South American Rally in Mina Clavero, in which one spectator lost their life and two others were injured. We express our deepest sorrow and sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim, and our thoughts go out to all those injured and involved. We thank the emergency services and medical teams for their prompt response. The FIA will provide its full support to the organizers of the South American Rally in Mina Clavero, the Automóvil Club Argentino (ACA), CODASUR, and the competent local authorities as part of the investigation into the accident.”
