Jesús López, known as ‘Pijo‘, a 48-year-old racing driver from Ourense, died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, following a fatal crash during the seventh edition of the Subida a Taboadela in Ourense, according to the Federación Galega de Automobilismo. Competing in the third official heat—the first of the Sunday schedule—around 11:30 a.m. at the wheel of a Forwin RS23, López impacted a parked car and then the muro of a house near the end of the course, causing the vehicle to catch fire and killing the driver instantly, as reported by La Voz de Galicia.
The tragedy immediately halted the seventh edition of the Subida a Taboadela, a points-paying event for the Campeonato Gallego de Montaña. According to sources, the Federación Gallega de Automobilismo confirmed both the driver’s identity and the cancellation of the event, releasing a statement of condolence. Additionally, three other individuals sustained serious injuries in the collision, including two spectators and another driver who attempted to render aid and suffered burns, all of whom emergency services transported to the hospital.
Immediate Response and Institutional Reactions
Emergency responders rushed to the scene following the incident near San Cibrao das Viñas. Bomberos del servicio de San Cibrao das Viñas intervened to tackle the fire, while medical teams treated the injured spectators, the burned driver, and provided assistance to the wife and goddaughter of the deceased driver. Municipal and regional figures, including the Deputación de Ourense, the mayor of Ourense Gonzalo Pérez Jácome, and the Concello de Taboadela via social media, expressed deep sorrow and offered support to the family, friends, and the broader Ourense motorsport community.
Did You Know? Before his death, Jesús López had returned to mountain hill-climbing at Taboadela after a seven-year absence, and over his long career competed in numerous disciplines including hill-climbs, rallies, rallysprint, rallymix, and slalom, most notably driving a Talbot Sunbeam Lotus, as reported by sources.
Impact on the Ourense Motorsport Community
The sudden loss of ‘Pijo’ profoundly affected competitors, mechanics, and organizers across the region. Jano Fraga, president of the Escudería Ourense and a close personal friend who previously collaborated with López on competition vehicles, described the driver as an irreplaceable presence known for his constant smile and talent in preparing winning race cars at their workshop, +Taller. Rallye Ourense Recalvi also honored López as a relentless competitor and a definitive name in local motorsport history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fatal accident at the Subida a Taboadela?
According to verified reports, driver Jesús López lost control of his Forwin RS23 near the end of the course, striking a parked car and a residential wall, which caused the vehicle to catch fire.
Was the rest of the racing event allowed to continue?
No. The Federación Galega de Automobilismo immediately suspended and officially canceled the remainder of the seventh edition of the Subida a Taboadela following the incident.
How many other people were injured in the crash?
Three people suffered serious injuries: two spectators from the public and another driver who sustained burns while trying to help. Emergency services transported all three to the hospital.
How will regional authorities and racing organizations address safety following this weekend’s tragedy in Ourense?
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