Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport
This Spanish motorcycle rally driver has died after crashing into a broken-down car before he was set to race.
The fatal accident occurred earlier today (Thursday) in the city of Guadix located in the autonomous community of Andalusia in southern Spain which claimed the life of Spanish motorcycle rally racer Alberto Martinez, 42.
Martinez was participating in Spanish ‘Hispania Rally’, with the third stage of the race set to take place today (Thursday), however, the accident was not related to the race.
Local media report Martinez, riding a motorbike, crashed into a broken down vehicle that was parked on a link road which was not part of those specially prepared for the rally.
Martinez reportedly did not see the broken down vehicle resulting in the tragic accident where he lost life.
Hispania Rally issued a statement announcing the sad news saying: “Rider Alberto Martinez (26/9/1977) has lost his life today due to a traffic accident at the 293-kilometre mark.
“The incident specifically occurred on the A-92 motorway. It was on a link road before getting to the competitive ones. Due to the fatal loss, stage three has been cancelled.
“From the Hispania Rally organisation, we are sorry for this passing and put ourselves at the disposition of his family. RIP.”
The driver of the car Martinez crashed into was reportedly unharmed in the accident with no reports on his identity.
Local media Martinez was participating in several racing events as he was planning to participate in the Rally Dakar 2021 next year.
Hispania Rally was set to take place between 2nd – 7th March however it is unclear if the accident will affect the rally further than the third stage which was cancelled after the accident.
The race was reportedly celebrating its third year of competition this year and goes through the desert in the arid regions of Gorafe located in the Granada province in southern Spain.
The ViralTab page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.
