The FIA CODASUR South American Rally Championship began its season in late March in Brazil, but Round 2 of 2026 took place this weekend in Argentina.
Driver Didier Arias was competing in the event with co-driver Héctor Núñez, and on Sunday, they were involved in a serious accident. The car caught a dirt mound and began to roll, barrel-rolling into a spectator area. Many fans who were watching from atop rocks jumped out of the way as the car crashed half-a-dozen times before coming to a rest on its side.
Both Arias and Núñez were okay, but the crash left multiple fans injured, and as confirmed by the FIA, one deceased after being struck by the airborne rally car.
"The FIA is deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred today during Round 2 of the FIA CODASUR Rally Championship at Rally Sudamericano Mina Clavero, in which one spectator lost their life and two others were injured," a release from the FIA read.
"We extend our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, and our thoughts remain with all those injured and affected. We thank the emergency services and medical teams for their rapid response.
"The FIA will provide its full support to the organisers of Rally Sudamericano Mina Clavero, Automóvil Club Argentino (ACA), CODASUR and the relevant local authorities in their investigation into the incident."
It's been a difficult weekend in the motorsports world, with driver Juha Miettinen losing his life in a multi-car crash at the Nurburgring on Saturday.
