A spectator was killed, and two others were injured on Sunday during the second round of the FIA CODASUR South American Rally Championship after a competing vehicle veered off the course and plummeted into a crowd of fans.
The incident occurred during Rally Sudamericano Mina Clavero when driver Didier Arias and co-driver Héctor Núñez lost control of their vehicle. The car reportedly struck a dirt embankment, causing it to barrel-roll multiple times into a designated viewing area.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene as spectators, many of whom were positioned atop rock formations to watch the race, scrambled to avoid the airborne vehicle. The car overturned approximately six times before coming to a rest on its side. While both Arias and Núñez emerged from the wreckage without serious injury, the impact proved fatal for one onlooker.
FIA Issues Condolences
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) confirmed the fatality in a formal statement released Sunday evening (Mondsay IST).
"The FIA is deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred today during Round 2 of the FIA CODASUR Rally Championship at Rally Sudamericano Mina Clavero, in which one spectator lost their life, and two others were injured," the governing body stated.
The release continued, "We extend our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, and our thoughts remain with all those injured and affected. We thank the emergency services and medical teams for their rapid response."
Investigation Launched
The 2026 CODASUR season, which commenced in late March in Brazil, has been overshadowed by this tragedy. The FIA has pledged its "full support" to the local organisers, the Automóvil Club Argentino (ACA), and regional authorities as they conduct an investigation into the circumstances of the crash and the safety protocols in place at the time.
The condition of the two injured spectators has not been publicly updated, though emergency teams were praised for their swift arrival at the remote rally site.
Fatal Collision at the Nürburgring
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, just a day before the events in Argentina, 66-year-old Finnish driver Juha Miettinen was killed during the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers.
The accident occurred roughly 30 minutes into the four-hour race at the Klostertal section of the track, a high-speed area preceding the famous Karussell. Miettinen, driving the #121 BMW 325i, was involved in a massive seven-car pileup that forced race officials to immediately issue a red flag.</