Spectator killed in Dakar Rally accident

BUENOS AIRES - A female spectator was killed after a vehicle taking part in the Dakar Rally rushed off course and crashed into a group of spectators Saturday, medical sources said.

The accident happened in the opening stage of the gruelling event between Buenos Aires and Cordoba in Argentina, Xinhua reported.

The accident was caused by a 4×4 vehicle driven by German-Swiss pair Mirco Schultis and Ulrich Leardi.

“Competitor number 418 collided with a group of spectators at the 75-km mark of the special stage outside the public zone (a area reserved for spectators),” said a statement released by the organisers.

The Dakar Rally, which was switched to South America last year because of increasing security concerns in its traditional African home, is widely-regarded as one of the most dangerous motorsports events in the world.

In the 2009 race, French motorcyclist Pascal Terry was killed while racing in the fourth stage.

More than 50 fatalities have occurred in the history of Dakar Rally, with most of the victims being competitors.