Jesús Calleja, a well-known Spanish TV presenter and adventurer, has once again found himself in the spotlight after a dangerous incident at the Dakar Rally. Together with his co-driver Edu Blanco, he survived a crash that could have ended much more tragically. Their car, racing across the desert, suddenly hit an unseen dune. The vehicle soared into the air, rolled over several times, and crashed loudly onto the sand. The situation looked critical, but both participants managed to get out of the wrecked vehicle on their own.
The rally’s medical team quickly assessed the crew’s condition and decided they could not continue in the race. Despite his disappointment, Calleja remains optimistic. He admits he was maintaining a great pace on the track and calls the car a true engineering marvel. However, he says incidents like this are part of the game, and the most important thing is that both are alive and ready for new challenges.
Causes of the accident
In an interview, Calleja pointed out that the accident was caused by poor visibility and a poorly organized section of the course. He had already warned organizers about the dangers of such areas, where heavy vehicles kick up thick dust and the terrain becomes unpredictable. This time, it was the lack of warning signs and the inability to spot the hazard in time that played a fatal role.
Calleja stated that if the section had been properly marked, the tragedy could have been avoided. He emphasizes that racers are forced to take risks to keep up, and sometimes this leads to such incidents. Despite strict regulations and the high level of danger, Calleja does not blame the organizers but insists that the circuit’s safety system needs to be reviewed.
Aftermath and emotions
Following the accident, Calleja surprised everyone with his composure. He shared that he sustained only a minor fracture in his shoulder that does not even require immobilization. According to him, many find it hard to believe he escaped so lightly after such a powerful crash. The TV host compared his experience to a space flight, claiming that even leaving Earth was a less extreme ordeal for him.
Calleja recalls the moment of the accident with humor: at first he didn’t realize what had happened, then he felt as if time slowed down. The rollovers seemed endless, and the final impact was especially hard. Nevertheless, he assures his fans he feels fine and is already making plans to return home.
Plans for the future
Despite being forced to withdraw from the race, Calleja does not intend to quit such events. He is confident he will return to the circuit as soon as he has recovered. In his words, such challenges only build character and make life more vibrant. Edu Blanco also was not seriously injured and supports his teammate’s outlook.
The team is now looking for the earliest flight back to Spain. Calleja thanks everyone for their support and promises that there are many more adventures to come. He admits that adrenaline and a passion for speed are part of his life, and even moments of danger like this can’t stop him.
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that Jesús Calleja is one of Spain’s most renowned television hosts, known for his extreme travels and documentary projects. He has repeatedly taken part in some of the most challenging expeditions, including a flight to space, always demonstrating resilience and optimism. His projects inspire thousands of viewers across the country, and Calleja remains a symbol of courage and a love for adventure.
