A Spectator Has Died At Rallye Monte Carlo After A Crash On Stage One
The World Rally Championship’s new era got off to a tough start, with the opening stage of the Rallye Monte Carlo being cancelled after an incident.
A crash for Haydon Paddon on an icy left-hand corner also involved a spectator, who sadly died after the incident.
Paddon’s Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC slid off the icy road, with the car crashing into a bank and rolling onto its side. There is footage of the incident but we have chosen not to include it in this article.
It was reported a spectator was involved, had been injured and passed out, with medical crews quickly on the scene. But the WRC later announced the spectator had sadly passed away, issuing the following statement:
“The Automobile Club de Monaco regrets to advise further details following incident of the car #4 in SS1. The spectator was transported by helicopter from the stage to hospital in Nice. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, the spectator has sadly died.
“An investigation has commenced into the incident and all involved parties will provide assistance to the authorities. Everyone associated with the event extends their deepest sympathies and condolences to the families, friends and individuals affected.”
Hyundai released its own statement after the incident:
Paddon shared a series of tweets, sending his condolences to the family and friends of the spectator:
Hyundai decided to withdraw the No.4 car from the rally as a mark of respect for the spectator.
The crash cancelled the first stage, with the second stage going ahead as planned. Thierry Neuville leads the way after Thursday’s action, with an 8.5 second gap to Sebastien Ogier.
Comments
Thoughts are with all involved. Condolences to the person’s family and loved ones and best wishes and support to Hayden who must be wrestling with feelings of sadness, shock and guilt. Brah…stay strong mate the rallying community is with you
Is really sad that things like this still occures. Although it is clearly spectators fault I wish him rest in peace, but there is no place for solidarity… People should pay adequate price for every stupid thing they did and thats all.
This is extremely sad but at least the Spector died doing something he loved. RIP
I’m very sad to see this happen on the very first stage of the new season. Condolences to the family, and I hope that Paddon and his co-driver John Kennard have a fast recovery from the situation they’re in, hoping that doesn’t affect the pace in the next rounds.
It’s impossible for the organization to control every person watching the event, this sad accident should be a wake up call for everybody who likes to risk it and break the rules.
He was Spanish
Hope hayden and john can get the right help to get back up to pace.
There is quite a risk in rally spectating. The people involved are always right on the very edge, as close to the action as they can possibly be. And I know this is part of the entertainment. But times like these makes you think they should be putting stricter regulations in place to prevent certain tragedies.
There are strict regulations but he chose not to follow them…
Saw it live, not nice. Rip
I saw the video of this and it is a sad sight indeed. However that person should not have been there in the first place. If anything happens to hayden paddon ill be furious
I feel bad, but this is why people shouldn’t stand so close to the track.