A BMW 325i crashed and caught fire on the LLN-7 road in Asturias, killing 20-year-old copilot Soraya Barreiro Rodríguez. Her partner and driver, Germán Romano Mier, 26, escaped with burns and tried to reach her as she remained trapped inside. The Rally Villa de Llanes was halted, leaving the rally community in shock.
The crash happened at kilometer 14 in the El Mazucu section, during the crew’s second run through the course; they were competing under number 61. The section is usually straight and less risky than the rest of the course. The road was dry, and barriers were in place. Still, the car veered off, cleared the guardrails and landed in the woods, where it caught fire. Emergency crews received the call at 13:53. By 14:09, medics had confirmed Soraya’s death. Firefighters put out the blaze by 14:36, and her body was taken to the Institute of Legal Medicine in Oviedo.
Romano suffered burns while escaping and trying to rescue Soraya. He was taken to Hospital Comarcal de Arriondas. Officials have not given details about the extent of his injuries. The couple raced for Escudería Villa de Llanes, car number 61. This was only their second official rally together, and they shared a love for the sport.
The Guardia Civil’s Road Accident Investigation Team is handling the case. Investigators say it is too soon to determine what caused the crash. Many are struggling to understand how it happened on a relatively easy stretch, with good asphalt and working barriers. People familiar with the rally have found no explanation.
Organizers immediately called off the rest of the event. The rally had started Friday and was scheduled to run through Sunday. Their statement said: "We understand that the sporting competition is of no importance and must stop immediately. We stand, more than ever, with the family and friends." La Voz de Asturias reported, citing several Spanish and international media outlets, that this was the 49th edition of the Rally Villa de Llanes. Local communities in Llanes declared mourning and suspended related festivities in tribute to Soraya Barreiro Rodríguez.
Grief swept through the rally world. Driver José Antonio Suárez wrote, “Anything today that is not being with the family of my colleague Soraya and especially with Germán is completely unnecessary. Every time a tragedy like this hits close, my heart tightens to the extreme.” Llanes mayor Enrique Riestra sent condolences to Soraya’s family and Romano, calling these "difficult moments."
Motorsport in Spain is no stranger to risk. Losing someone so young, on only her second official rally, hit hard. The crash occurred on a section thought to be safer than most, prompting difficult questions about rally safety. Even when conditions look good, danger can strike. The search for answers is under way, and these questions echo concerns raised in previous investigations into safety and technology in modern vehicles.
This loss shows how harsh motorsport can be. No amount of preparation or safety gear can erase all risk. Organizers quickly stopped the rally, putting people first. As the investigation moves forward, the focus must stay on truth and learning, for Soraya Barreiro Rodríguez and everyone who loves the sport.
