‘Shattering news’: Targa Tasmania rocked by fourth death in two years – Yahoo Sport Australia
There are fresh concerns about the safety of the annual Targa Tasmania rally race after a fourth driver died in the last two many years on Wednesday.
A Brisbane man died on Wednesday when his car crashed over an embankment upon a closed section of the event at Mount Roland, in the state’s north, regarding 3. 30pm.
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The man’s wife, who was their passenger, walked away from the crash and was taken to hospital for observation.
Tasmania Police have confirmed the 59-year-old man died at the particular scene, while the woman suffered non-life threatening injuries.
Targa Tasmania CEO Mark Perry said it was “shattering news”.
“We lose a close member of the Targa family, a long-term, regular competitor of ours, ” he told reporters on Wed night.
“It’s hard to put words to it for us right now, after last year and all the work we’ve done.
“After the 90-minute briefing we gave everyone the other day… all of us swing towards devastation.
“We’re totally devastated given we all worked so hard to improve the event from final year. ”
Mr Perry said the particular pair were within the final stage associated with the event’s second day and had been one of the last few cars on course.
“It’s the long-term stage for us, not new, it’s not unfamiliar to any associated with the competitors, particularly this crew, they’ve done many events with us before, inch he stated.
Tasmania Law enforcement crash investigators will return to the scene on Thursday to obtain photos and information.
Emergency services worked into Wednesday night in order to remove the man’s body from the particular wreckage.
“I’m told the road has been wet but it wasn’t raining at the particular time, ” Tasmania Police Inspector Darren Hopkins mentioned.
“(We have) no idea at this stage (about the cause). It could even be a medical condition. inch
Fresh concerns about safety of Targa Tasmania
Early on Thursday morning it was decided that the competition would continue, but as a non-competitive tour occasion.
Drivers will now be limited to the sign-posted speed limits for the remainder associated with the event.
Shane Navin, Leigh Mundy and Dennis Neagle all lost their lives in two crashes during final year’s occasion, prompting a good investigatory tribunal to be established.
It made 23 recommendations for future tarmac rallies, including speed limits, altering stages year-by-year to avoid complacency and a tiered licensing system.
Seventeen of those recommendations have been adopted by rally organisers, with six the responsibility associated with Motorsport Sydney to implement.
The latest death takes the particular number of competitors to die throughout the Tasmanian event’s 30-year history in order to six.
Social media has already been flooded with concerns regarding the safety of the event after the latest tragedy.
I hope this encourages the Tasmanian government to start taking road signage seriously. It’s extremely common within Tasmania to face a hairpin turn with no signage. Apologies for jumping on a tragedy, but often that’s what it takes with regard to change.
— Rhys Muldoon (@rhysam) April 27, 2022
The particular roads in Tasmania are terrible. The people associated with Tasmania really need an increase in infrastructure spending regarding their roads.
— Camellia (@Camelli79450301) 04 27, 2022
Wrong time of the year to have this event. Should become in the Summer.
— Dazza M (@daz_mctaz) Apr 27, 2022
The particular worst news. Such a sudden loss intended for everyone who loves them.
— Helen Earth (@helenshield) April 27, 2022
Absolutely tragic again! Live this event, love car racing yet serious security issues or lack of car owner briefings?? Something else is needed obviously.
— Brendan Marshall (@BrenSurfer) April 27, 2022
FFS Targa Tasmania has learnt nothing from previous yrs…
— Tavendale 🇺🇦 (@HorrorFetishArt) April twenty-seven, 2022
At some point you have to wonder whether Targa Tasmania is really that good an idea. Of course , the rivals know the particular risks plus make their own decisions, but you do have in order to wonder. The rural roads are not designed for racing.
— Daniel Norris (@DanielNorrisAU) April 27, 2022
along with AAP
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