A woman died and two other spectators were seriously injured when German driver Mirco Schultis lost control and drove into a crowd along the first stage of the Dakar Rally Saturday in Argentina, dpa reported.
The dead spectator was Sonia Gallardo, 28, doctor Norberto Brusa said in front of television cameras at a hospital in Cordoba, Argentina. Her heart stopped twice during a helicopter flight from the accident scene, and she died of head and other injuries.
A 24-year-old man was undergoing surgery for injuries in the mishap, and a boy was taken to a children's hospital for treatment. Two other spectators suffered minor injuries.
Argentine media reports said that Schultis lost control and barrelled into a group of people watching the race.
A spokesman for rally organizers said that the accident took place at a spot where spectators were not permitted.
Local media said that the victims were watching the race from their own property.