Toyota driver Sebastien Ogier had to withdraw from the competition after being involved in a head-on collision with a passenger car during reconnaissance on Tuesday morning. Local media reported today, Monday, that the 69-year-old man driving the Ford estate car has died.
According to the Polish TVN24 news channel, authorities are investigating whether the man’s death is related to the accident. He had felt unwell at home and died shortly afterwards.
Police spokesperson Tomasz Markowski stated that the man had been taken to hospital for further examination after the accident. However, he was discharged as no injuries requiring hospitalisation were found.
The man’s condition worsened on Saturday. Medical personnel were called to the scene, but the man did not survive.
Reports indicate that the cause of death will be determined through an autopsy on Tuesday.
Ogier was driving the Goldap special stage when he collided head-on with the Ford estate car in his Toyota. The accident occurred on a narrow road shortly after a crest.
In a statement following the accident, Toyota confirmed that Ogier was not speeding. Drivers are required to adhere to speed limits during reconnaissance as the roads are not closed to public traffic during this time and may contain other vehicles.
