Soraya Barreiro Rodríguez dies in tragic Villa de Llanes Rally crash
The motorsport community is in mourning following the death of 20-year-old co-driver Soraya Barreiro Rodríguez during the 49th edition of the Villa de Llanes Rally in Asturias, Spain. The fatal accident occurred on Saturday afternoon when the vehicle she was in left the road and caught fire, leading organizers to immediately suspend the remainder of the competition.
Fatal crash during the Villa de Llanes Rally
The incident took place just before 2:00 PM on the second day of the three-day event. The BMW 325i, piloted by 26-year-old Germán Romano, careered off the LLN-7 road at kilometer 14, between the towns of Llanes and Mere. According to emergency services, the car burst into flames upon impact.
The Emergency Coordination Centre received an alert at 1:53 PM, reporting that one person had managed to exit the vehicle while another remained trapped inside. Despite the rapid mobilization of firefighters and medical teams, the medical staff confirmed at 2:09 PM that the person inside the car had passed away. Firefighters extinguished the blaze by 2:36 PM, allowing for the recovery of the body.
Driver Germán Romano hospitalized after rescue attempt
Germán Romano, who local reports identify as Soraya’s partner, made desperate efforts to save her from the burning wreckage. He was subsequently transported to the Arriondas Regional Hospital to receive treatment for burns sustained during the incident. The extent of his injuries has not been fully disclosed, and it remains unclear if he is still under medical care.
This tragic event occurred during what was only Soraya’s second official professional competition. Her loss has sent shockwaves through the regional sporting community, where the Villa de Llanes Rally is considered one of the most prestigious events in northern Spain.
Race suspended as Asturias mourns the loss
Following the tragedy, race organizers made the "irrevocable decision" to cancel all remaining stages of the rally. In an official statement, they expressed profound grief, stating that sporting competition holds no importance in the face of such a loss. They extended their "most sincere condolences" to the family and friends of the young co-driver.
Llanes Mayor Enrique Riestra also issued a heartfelt tribute, declaring that the municipality is in mourning. He offered support to both the Barreiro family and Germán Romano, noting that "news like this leaves any words feeling inadequate." This tragedy echoes a similar incident from five years ago, when driver Jaime Gil and co-driver Diego Calvo also lost their lives during the same race.
For more information on safety protocols in regional motorsports, you can visit the official International Automobile Federation website.