Trying to get as close to the race as possible cost an Italian fan his life in Dakar. Racer Ales Loprais (43), who was driving the car that collided with a spectator, was also heavily affected by the whole tragedy. But the Italian is definitely not the first and, probably, unfortunately, not the last fan whose life died out during the race through the desert. But who exactly will now be pointed out as the culprit of this misfortune?
Trying to get as close to the race as possible cost an Italian fan his life in Dakar. Racer Ales Loprais (43), who was driving the car that collided with a spectator, was also heavily affected by the whole tragedy. But the Italian is definitely not the first and, probably, unfortunately, not the last fan whose life died out during the race through the desert. But who exactly will now be pointed out as the culprit of this misfortune?
The video that Ales Loprais made public after the tragedy clearly proves that the film crew had not only the slightest chance to react to the Italian audience, but also to notice that a collision had occurred. It’s hard to get a fan’s idea of trying to get close to the car just behind the dune for a photo.
While the unfortunate incident is being investigated, Dakar fans are scrambling to figure out who is taking responsibility for similar incidents of fans getting under the wheels of competitors. The answer may be a case from 2019. Then one of the spectators stumbled while crossing the track, and Dakar participant Andrey Karginov ran over his left foot.
“While the Dakar is incredibly long and challenging for a police officer, the responsibility for spectators who do not stand in places where competitors cannot see them in advance usually falls on the organizers of the competition. If you are attending the rally in person, please stay in the designated spectator areas and follow the instructions of the racing cars and other authorities who are supposed to protect you.” The Drive website reported the incident at the time.
However, the question arises to what extent the organizers will be able to guarantee that no one will pass along the track in any of the deserted areas when one of the participants in the race approaches the place. It would be much wiser to follow the race at your own risk.
According to available information, since 1979, about 80 people have died in the Dakar rally, the exact number of deaths varies according to different sources. There were 27 participants, the rest were accompanying persons, journalists and spectators. In 1986, the founder of the Dakar Rally, Thierry Sabin, died after a helicopter crash during the race.
Source: Blesk