A 20-year-old rally co-driver has died after the car piloted by her boyfriend careered off the road during a race and caught fire. Soraya Barreiro Rodríguez died despite the efforts of 26-year-old German Romano to save her. He was taken to hospital with burns following the crash.
Fatal accident on second day
The fatal accident happened just before 2pm on the second day of the three-day event, when German’s BMW 325i went off the LLN-7 road. Organisers decided to suspend the competition, which started on Friday and was due to finish on Sunday.
A spokesman for a regional emergency response co-ordination centre said: “A woman has lost her life in a traffic accident, during a sporting event in Llanes on the LLN-7 road, at kilometre point 14, on the second stage of the rally between Llanes and Mere.”
Emergency response details
The spokesman added: “The Emergency Coordination Centre received the alert at 1.53pm yesterday. The call indicated that a car had left the road and was on fire and one person was outside and another remained inside. Firefighters were immediately mobilised along with other emergency responders.
“At 2.09pm, the medical team responsible for the sporting event itself reported that the person who remained in the car had died. The man who was injured in the accident was taken to Arriondas Regional Hospital. Once they arrived at the scene, the firefighters proceeded to extinguish the fire. At 2.36pm they declared it was out and the deceased woman’s body was subsequently removed.”
Event suspended and tributes paid
Announcing the suspension of the rest of the competition, race organisers said in a statement they admitted they “deeply regretted having to put out”: “Following the tragic news we have made the irrevocable decision to definitively suspend all remaining timed stages of the event.
“This difficult and sad decision has been made as a sign of profound grief and utmost respect. At this time of immense sorrow for the entire motorsport family, we understand that sporting competition is of no importance and must stop immediately. From our organisation, we would like to convey our most sincere condolences and all our support during these very difficult times. Now more than ever, we stand alongside the family and friends.”
Tributes were paid to Soraya after the tragedy in the 49th edition of the Villa de Llanes Rally, one of the most important sporting events in the northern Spanish region of Asturias. Soraya was only taking part in her second official competition.
Llanes’ mayor Enrique Riestra added: “I want to express, on my behalf and on behalf of everyone who is part of the Llanes Town Council, my deepest sorrow over the death of Soraya Barreiro, co-driver participating in the 49th Villa de Llanes Rally alongside German Romano.
“News like this leaves any words feeling inadequate. I want to send all my love and support to her family, her friends and everyone who loved her, at a time of pain that is difficult to imagine. I also want to convey all our support to German Romano, her driver and rally partner, during these very difficult moments. And I want to embrace, in a very special way, the entire great rally family: fellow competitors, drivers, co-drivers, teams, organisers, volunteers and fans.
“The Villa de Llanes Rally is much more than a sporting event for our municipality, and today we all feel this loss very deeply. Llanes is in mourning and stands with Soraya's family, German and the entire motor racing community during these deeply painful moments. Rest in peace, Soraya.”
