The rally driver Jesús López, widely known in the Galician motorsport community as “Pijo,” died on Sunday at the age of 48 following a severe accident during the seventh edition of the Subida a Taboadela in Ourense, according to local emergency services and motorsport federations. The competition, which served as a points-scoring event for the Galician Mountain Championship, was cancelled immediately following the tragedy.
What Happened During the Subida a Taboadela
According to reports from 112 Galicia and municipal emergency services, the crash occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time on Sunday during one of the morning heats. López was competing behind the wheel of a Forwin RS23 near the final stretch of the course when he lost control of the vehicle. The car struck a parked automobile before crashing directly into the exterior wall of a residential property. Following the impact, the vehicle caught fire and was completely burned. Emergency medical personnel confirmed that the driver died at the scene.
The accident also injured two other individuals. According to the Galician emergency coordination center, the driver of the second vehicle involved sustained injuries considered serious. Additionally, a spectator suffered injuries during the sequence of events, though authorities noted that the spectator’s condition did not appear life-threatening. Medical teams from the 061 emergency service treated the injured at the location before transporting them by ambulance to the Hospital of Ourense.
Emergency Response and Official Cancellation
Organizers of the Subida a Taboadela maintained on-site ambulances and medical staff who initiated immediate rescue and transport operations. Local authorities also dispatched the San Cibrao das Viñas Fire Department, members of the Pereiro de Aguiar GES (Emergency Rescue Group), and traffic officers from the Guardia Civil to secure the area and manage the post-collision fire. The 061 service additionally dispatched an auxiliary medical vehicle to support the family of the driver at the scene.
Following the confirmation of the fatality, the Galician Automobile Federation issued an official statement confirming the driver’s identity and announcing the total suspension of the rally event. Regional bodies and motorsport organizations across Ourense expressed condolences to the driver’s family and the wider racing community.
A Storied Career in Galician Motorsport
Jesús López left a profound imprint on regional racing throughout a decades-long career. Organizations such as the Rallye Ourense Recalvi remembered the driver as a central figure in local motorsport, highlighting a versatile portfolio that spanned hillclimbs, rallies, rallysprint, rallymix, and slalom competitions. He was particularly renowned for his long association with a Talbot Sunbeam Lotus, a vehicle that became an iconic entry in Galician motor events and cemented his reputation as an indefatigable competitor across multiple disciplines.
The Deputación of Ourense also released a statement extending deep condolences and solidarity to López’s relatives, friends, and colleagues within the Galician automotive sports network.
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