The 1996 Argentinean Formula Renault Championship round held at the Autódromo Ciudad de Rafaela - Circuito Ing. Juan R. Báscolo in Rafaela, province of Santa Fe, Argentina, on Sunday, 23 June 1996, was marred by a bizarre accident that resulted in the death of an elderly spectator.
While travelling at high speed towards Turn 1 during the second lap of the race, one of the competiting cars driven by Alex Smith lost its front right wheel. The wheel that detached from Smith's Crespi - Renault bounced over the fence hitting a group of spectators in the stands. One of them suffered head and chest injuries, being killed almost instantly.
The name of the victim was Néstor Walter Weder, 73-year-old. He was reported to be from Humboldt, province of Santa Fe, Argentina; it is unclear whether this refers to his place of birth or residence. The first newspaper reports indicated that he was struck by the flying wheel while trying to interpose to save the lives of his grandchildren.
After the accident the race was not stopped and Martín Basso eventually was the winner. This was reported to be his first success in the national Fórmula Renault series.
Alex Smith was the younger brother of Brian Smith, winner of the Argentinean Formula Renault Championship in 1995, who later competed in the International Formula 3000 series until 1999.
R.I.P
While travelling at high speed towards Turn 1 during the second lap of the race, one of the competiting cars driven by Alex Smith lost its front right wheel. The wheel that detached from Smith's Crespi - Renault bounced over the fence hitting a group of spectators in the stands. One of them suffered head and chest injuries, being killed almost instantly.
The name of the victim was Néstor Walter Weder, 73-year-old. He was reported to be from Humboldt, province of Santa Fe, Argentina; it is unclear whether this refers to his place of birth or residence. The first newspaper reports indicated that he was struck by the flying wheel while trying to interpose to save the lives of his grandchildren.
After the accident the race was not stopped and Martín Basso eventually was the winner. This was reported to be his first success in the national Fórmula Renault series.
Alex Smith was the younger brother of Brian Smith, winner of the Argentinean Formula Renault Championship in 1995, who later competed in the International Formula 3000 series until 1999.
R.I.P
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