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The Esztergom-Nyerges Rally’s (northwestern Hungary) season opener ended tragically, with four fatalities and several injuries occurring when a vehicle veered off the road and into spectators. Initial reports from Index indicate that a young child was among the casualties.
The communications officer of the National Rescue Service (OMSZ) reported that among the injured, one child with life-threatening injuries and one person with serious injuries were transported to the hospital, while six others, including a child, received treatment at the scene before also being hospitalized.
MTI / Bodnár Boglárka
Responding to the incident, eight ambulances and four rescue helicopters arrived promptly.
The Komárom-Esztergom County Police disclosed that one of the vehicles left the road between Lábatlan and Bajót under circumstances that remain unclear. An eyewitness recounted that the vehicle, identified as a Skoda Fabia R5 by RallyLife, was traveling at high speed from Lábatlan when it lost control, striking bystanders nearby.
Following the accident, the event organizer, Arrabona Rally Club, announced on social media that the 11th Esztergom-Nyerges Rally would be halted due to the incident. Subsequently, the supervisory board decided to cancel the season openers for ORB2, ORB3, and Historic categories.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation, including whether the spectators were in prohibited areas.
Kata Répásy, the event’s press officer, mentioned that certain sections of the track were designated off-limits to spectators, with continuous monitoring by the staff. However, she noted that the opening event may have attracted more spectators than usual, potentially reaching up to 1,000 attendees, though these reports remain unconfirmed.
Esztergom Gran TV has released several videos capturing the accident. Motor journalists present at the scene suggested that the Skoda may have been traveling at speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, with suspicions of even higher velocities.
They noted that on this particular section of the route, vehicles of this type can reach speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour.
Expressing condolences to the victims’ families, the management of the Hungarian National Motorsport Association (MNASZ) affirmed their commitment to investigating the incident in collaboration with authorities, refraining from further comments until the investigation concludes.
The police are investigating an unknown perpetrator on suspicion of causing death by manslaughter and negligent endangerment in the course of duties.
Via Index, MTI; Featured Image: MTI / Bodnár Boglárka