Rally driver, 48, dies after losing control of car and smashing into tree in fireball crash leaving three others injured

A RALLY driver has died after losing control of his car and smashing into a tree, sparking a fatal fireball explosion. Two spectators and another competitor were also injured when 48-year-old Jesus Lopez’s car flew out of control as he went around a bend. Rally driver Jesus Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene Credit: El Mundo The car flipped out of control and burst into flames Credit: russpain.com Lopez’s Forwin RS23 race car burst into flames after the heavy crash, with the popular driver trapped inside. Emergency responders and another driver tried desperately to save Lopez but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! The tragedy took place at 11.30am on Sunday near the finish line of the Taboadela Hill Climb race, in the province of Ourense in Spain’s north-west Galician region. Friend and fellow competitor Pablo Rey was behind Lopez’s car when he crashed, and was among those who raced to put out the flames. The crash also injured three others, two spectators and another driver Credit: La Voz de Galicia Emergency crew were unable to save Lopez after the crash Credit: .La Región/YouTube Rey was later treated for burns after he took off his helmet and gloves to try to rescue Lopez from the burning car. “I got in among the flames so I could shake him to see if he responded,” he said. “I kept going until I was burning myself. Then I dragged the trapped spectators back and out so they wouldn’t burn too.” One spectator suffered broken legs and the other was treated for a cut to the head. Most read in Sport Lopez’s wife and goddaughter were watching the race, and required medical assistance for panic attacks. The event was cancelled following Lopez’s death. The governing body for motorsports in Galicia, Federacion Galega de Automovilismo, said: “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. The Federation added that Lopez would not just be remembered as a good driver, but for his “enormous heart”. “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,” it said. “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.” It also wished a “speedy recovery” to the two injured spectators and the people who tried to rescue Lopez. A spokesperson for the Rallye Ourense Recalvi rally also paid tribute, describing Lopez as a “tireless driver” and “one of the great names of motorsport”. In a tribute on social media, motorsport club Escuderia a Pontenova said: “We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and everyone who was part of the life of Jesus Lopez ‘Pijo’.” The club added: “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.” Comment now