Tributes paid to rally driver Jesus Lopez killed in fatal Spanish crash

Tributes have been paid to a rally driver who died yesterday after losing control of his race car and smashing into a tree and a wall.

Three other people, two spectators and a second competitor, were injured when 48-year-old Jesus Lopez lost control of his car on a bend.

Lopez’s Forwin RS23 burst into flames after the collision.

Efforts by emergency responders and a fellow driver to save him proved unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The tragedy happened around 11.30am yesterday near the finishing line in the seventh edition of a competition called Subida a Taboadela, which in English would be the Taboadela Hill Climb, in the province of Ourense in Spain’s north-west Galician region.

The race was cancelled after confirmation of the rally driver’s death.

Friend and fellow competitor Pablo Rey, who was behind Lopez when he crashed, tried to put out the flames before assisting the spectators hurt.

One had suffered broken legs and the other had a cut to his head.

Pablo, who had to be treated for burns after taking off his helmet and gloves to try to rescue his pal and rally rival, told local press after the cancellation of the race: “I got in among the flames so I could shake him, to see if he responded.

“I kept going until I was burning myself. Then I dragged the trapped spectators back and out, so they wouldn’t burn too.”

The dead man’s wife and goddaughter, who were also watching the race, are understood to have been assisted after suffering panic attacks.

The Federacion Galega de Automovilismo, the official governing body for motorsport in Galicia, said in a lengthy statement after it confirmed the race had been cancelled referencing the driver killed by his full name and nickname of Pijo: “Jesus Lopez Fernandez 'Pijo', aged 48, lost his life yesterday during the Taboadela Hill Climb.

“The driver lost control of his vehicle in the final section of the event and violently collided with a wall and a tree, so it was not possible to do anything to save his life despite the efforts of several of his fellow competitors and the emergency and safety personnel.

“All of them put their lives at risk to try to rescue him in an act of bravery that demonstrates what a great family Galician motorsport is.

“We want to express our deepest sorrow at the death of an athlete with a long and distinguished career in our sport who, in recent seasons, in addition to competing, became a promoter and mentor of several of our sporting prospects through the mountain carcross scholarship.

“In addition, we wish a speedy recovery to the injured spectator and to the people who tried to rescue Jesus from the vehicle.

“With the departure of Jesus, or Pijo, we lose a friend and fellow competitor who always helped everyone with everything he could and who leaves a very deep mark on our hearts. He was not only the good driver he was, he was the enormous heart he had.”

A spokesman for prominent Ourense rally the Rallye Ourense Recalvi described the man killed as a “tireless driver” and “one of the great names of motorsport” in the area.

Motorsport club Ecuderia a Pontenova said on social media: “We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and everyone who was part of the life of Jesus Lopez ‘Pijo’.

“We deeply regret his passing following the accident suffered during the Subida a Taboadela.

“Today, the world of motorsport is in mourning. Rest in peace, Jesus.

“The Galician mountains will miss you.”

Friend Jesus Lopez Fernandez added: “Rest in peace friend wherever you go and thank you for so many moments and lifelong images that only the great legends leave behind for life.

"A huge hug and lots of strength to all your family and closest friends.”