Susanna Riva A weekend of sport turned tragic during the 68th Monte Erice hill climb . A fatal accident shocked the community, leaving two young lives shattered and an entire region in mourning. The competition, organized by the Automobile Club Trapani, suffered a dramatic outcome that led to the immediate suspension of the race.
The accident that shook the hill climb
The tragedy occurred at 11:37 a.m. , shortly after the start of the Peugeot 308 TCR number 54, driven by Marco Nicoletti . The car, after crashing through a side wall and hitting the barriers, flew approximately 60 meters, ending up in the spectator area.
The victims, Giuseppe Bisconti and Karol Greco, two friends from Belmonte Mezzagno, died instantly. Among those involved, course marshal Mario Marchese was seriously injured and hospitalized at Sant'Antonio Abate Hospital in Trapani.
Investigations and hypotheses
The Trapani Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation and ordered toxicological tests on the driver, who has been registered as a suspect for road homicide.
Among the hypotheses being examined by investigators is a possible braking system failure . The experts assigned will have to reconstruct the speed, trajectory, mechanical condition of the car, and the adequacy of the protections and safety distances.
Reactions from authorities and the community
In Belmonte Mezzagno, Mayor Maurizio Milone has announced the suspension of all events celebrating the patronal feast of the Holy Crucifix . In Erice , Mayor Daniela Toscano has also cancelled the Love San Giuliano events . Condolences were expressed by Salvatore Quinci, President of the Libero Consorzio di Trapani, and Giovanni Pellegrino, President of the Automobile Club of Trapani.
The Erice tragedy wasn't the weekend's only fatal accident. In Liguria , during the tenth Rally for the first special stage, "Due Valli," Stefano Sappracone, co-driver of the Skoda Fabia driven by Stefano Scapellato, died . The car went off the road near Mileto in the municipality of Rezzoaglio , and the co-driver was crushed between his seat and the bodywork. In Lombardy , during the Mille Miglia Rally, a competing car struck Francesco De Pasquale , who was following the race with his wife and daughter.
These tragic events led to the suspension of several competitions and highlighted safety measures in motor racing. Investigations are ongoing to determine the causes of the accidents and prevent future tragedies.