South African motorcyclist killed in Dakar rally
South African motorcyclist Elmer Symons dies in an accident during the fourth stage of the Dakar Rally over rugged Moroccan desert terrain.
South African motorcyclist Elmer Symons was killed in an accident during the fourth stage of the Dakar Rally on Tuesday, race organisers announced.
He was the first competitor to die during this year's race.
The 679 kilometers fourth stage over rugged Moroccan desert terrain was from El Rachidia to Ouarzazate as the motorcycles and cars taking part in the annual race headed south for the Senegalese capital Dakar.
Organisers were informed during the morning that there had been an accident at kilometre 142 and a helicopter was despatched to the scene.
Doctors pronounced Symons dead when they arrived at the scene of the accident, organisers said in a communique.
Symons, 29, was taking part in the race for the first time as a competitor having twice completed the course as part of the backup teams. He had been in 18th place overall at the time of the accident.
Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.