A rally driver has been killed and his brother left fighting for life after a horrific crash during the Rallye de La Ceramica in Spain. The accident occurred on Friday evening on the CV-189 road between L'Alcora and Onda in the Castellon province.
Samuel Ortiz, 30, who was the co-driver, died instantly when the Honda Civic he and his brother Jordi, 33, were travelling in left the track and hit a crash barrier. Jordi, the driver, was rushed to Castellon General University Hospital in a very critical condition.
Firefighters had to cut both men from the wreckage. They confirmed that one victim died upon impact. The event was immediately suspended by organisers, the Rallye Club Costa Azahar, who expressed their deepest condolences and wished Jordi a speedy recovery.
Tributes have poured in from the motorsport community. JuanFran Perez Llorca, President of the Valencian government, said he was devastated by the death and sent strength to Jordi. Fellow enthusiasts also paid tribute, describing Samuel as a great person who was always smiling.
The rally, which was in its second leg, was halted as a sign of mourning and respect. The organisers stated that nothing else made sense after such a tragedy.
