Twelve Injured in Lancia 037 Rally Car Crash at Torino Motor Show
Twelve people were injured during the Torino Motor Show in Italy over the weekend after a Lancia 037 Group B rally car crashed into a crowd of spectators. The incident was captured on video, showing the moment of impact.
Causes and Injuries
- The crash occurred at the Torino Motor Show, with footage showing the moment of impact.
- Twelve people were injured, with one taken to the hospital with a broken leg.
- Low-grip surface where the driver accelerated may have caused unexpected loss of traction.
Footage from the accident shows the Lancia following behind a pair of Ferrari race cars. As the driver entered a large paved area, they accelerated, causing the rear tires to lose traction. The car slid to the right, crashing through a fence and into a group of onlookers.
Details of the Incident
The specific details of the Lancia 037 involved in the crash are limited. However, it is believed to be an authentic model from the limited production run between 1982 and 1984. The driver, Barbara Riolgo, is a non-professional driver, and the car is owned by her husband, Ivano Toppino, a local coachbuilder. Their 23-year-old daughter, Alessia, was also in the passenger seat at the time of the crash.
Possible Causes
An official cause for the crash has not been determined yet. However, factors such as the rally car’s powerful supercharged inline-four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive configuration, and lack of modern safety systems may have contributed to the incident. Additionally, the low-grip surface where the driver accelerated could have caused the car to lose traction faster than anticipated. The owner is currently investigating whether there were any mechanical problems with the car at the time.
Conclusion
Fortunately, the injuries sustained in the incident were mostly minor, with one person requiring treatment for a broken leg. The outcome could have been much worse if the car had been traveling at a higher speed. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions in motorsport events to prevent accidents and protect spectators.
