Jodhpur, Sep 21

Three people were killed in an accident which took place during the Maxperience Rally, Round 3 of the Champions Yacht Club FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship on Saturday in Jodhpur.

The accident took place 150m from the finishing line of the rally when a motorbiker, carrying two others, came in front of the speeding car of ace Indian rallyist Gaurav Gill.

All the three deceased were not wearing helmets and were on the track, even though a warning had been issued to them

"Everything happened within less than a minute. It was a literally a blind spot. He (Gaurav) tried to stop the car, however, as there was a sharp turn the situation became unavoidable. Despite being warned, the biker forcefully entered the track," the organizers said.

"We feel very sad for the deceased people and express our condolences to their family members. We had all the safety measures at place and also had the necessary permission from the authorities," the organiser added.

Meanwhile, when asked about Gill's condition, the official said: "He is having respiratory issues and has suffered injuries. Currently he is in a hospital 50 kms away from the place where it all happened. Gill was unaware about the people losing their life and has expressed his condolences."

"He has asked us to cooperate and abide by the laws."

"It was an unfortunate incident that took place despite all the safety measures being in place," Mr. J Prithiviraj, president of FMSCI, who is also the COC of the event, said. "We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. The entire motorsports fraternity stands with them in their grief," he added.

The Jodhpur rally was supposed to run on gravel, covering about 300 km over two days with 125 km of special stages. A total of 53 teams were to feature in the Maxperience Rally, which has now been cancelled because of the accident.

Earlier on August 30, Gill, who is a six-time winner of the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC), had become the first-ever recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award from the motorsport category.

Gaurav Gill's car kills three during Rd 3 of FMSCI INRC