A deadly accident during the Subida a Taboadela claimed the life of driver Jesús López. The event was immediately suspended. Two others were seriously injured, and the motorsport community is in shock.
The seventh edition of the Subida a Taboadela in Ourense was abruptly stopped on Sunday after a fatal accident involving local driver Jesús López, known as Pijo. The incident occurred during the first official run of the day, when López, 48, lost control of his Forwin RS23. His car struck a parked vehicle and then crashed into a house wall near the end of the course, catching fire on impact. Emergency services responded quickly, but López died at the scene.
The crash also left two people seriously injured. One was a spectator, while the other was a fellow driver who attempted to help and suffered burns. Both were transported to hospital for treatment. Medical teams on site also assisted López's wife and goddaughter, who were present at the event and required support after the tragedy.
The Federación Galega de Automobilismo confirmed the fatality and announced the immediate cancellation of the competition. The news sent shockwaves through the local motorsport community, with many expressing their condolences and recalling López's long-standing presence in regional racing. According to La Voz OURENSE, López had finished ninth in the first day of the event and was considered one of the standout competitors this year.
López was well known in the Ourense racing scene, both as a driver and as a mechanic. He co-owned the +Taller workshop, where he and his team prepared competition prototypes, including the car he drove in Taboadela. His reputation extended beyond hill climbs, as he also participated in rallies, rallysprints, and slalom events, earning respect for his technical skills and competitive spirit.
Jana Fraga, president of Escudería Ourense and a close friend, described the loss as deeply felt, noting López's positive presence and the impact he had on those around him. Fraga highlighted that López had prepared vehicles for major competitions, including the Rali de Marruecos, and was known for his dedication both behind the wheel and in the workshop.
Local institutions, including the Concello de Taboadela and the Diputación, joined in expressing sympathy to López's family and friends. The event had marked López's return to mountain racing after a seven-year break, adding to the sense of loss among those who knew him. The mayor of Ourense, Gonzalo Pérez Jácome, also issued a message of support following the incident.
López's motorsport journey began at a young age with a Seat 124 in the regional mountain championship. Over the years, he became especially associated with his Talbot Sunbeam Lotus, a car that brought him notable success and a mountain championship title. His versatility saw him compete across various disciplines, building a legacy in Galician motorsport.
Fatal accidents at public events remain a rare but sobering reminder of the risks involved in motorsport. The Subida a Taboadela tragedy follows other incidents in Spain where safety has come under scrutiny, such as the fatal pedestrian accident on Avenida de América in Madrid, which also led to calls for improved measures (see coverage of the Madrid incident here).
Motorsport in Spain is governed by strict safety protocols, but the inherent dangers persist, especially in regional competitions where local drivers and fans are closely connected. The loss of Jesús López has left a significant mark on the Ourense community, highlighting both the passion and the perils of the sport.
