2 Raid rallyists hurt in J&K accident

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 13

Day three of the 17th edition of Raid De Himalaya proved unlucky for Samrat and Gaurav, driver and co-driver of car No 9 (Gypsy), whose vehicle met with an accident in Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir after they had completed the competitive third leg of the race.

The duo got their vehicle serviced after the competitive stretch but could not negotiate the first bend after they started the forward journey to Kishtwar and their gypsy veered off the road, said Manjeev Bhalla, organiser of the race.

The possibility of some problem with the breaks or aggressive pickup could not be ruled out. Medical services were provided to them and X-ray was conducted at Bhaderwah after which the injured persons were evacuated through helicopter and taken to hospital, he said.

Samrat sustained injuries and Gaurav, complained of chest pain and problem in back muscles, he said, adding that both were stable.

The riders started from Salooni-Priungal-Paddri Gali-Bhaderwah -Kishtwar-Daksum to end at Anantnag.

Suresh Rana dominates

The nine-time winner of Raid De Himalaya Suresh Rana continued dominating the race on the second day. He was followed by\ Harpreet Bawa and Raj Singh Rathore. The raiders started from Manali on Monday and covered a distance of 320 km to reach Dalhousie.

In the Adventure Trial Category Jagmeet Gill led with a penalty score of 5 minutes and 32 seconds with Rajesh Chalana and Subir Roy trailing behind him. In the two wheel category, Arvind KP led the race. On Day two, 64 vehicles remained in the Rally Xtreme while today the race moved to its next exciting level in Srinagar for the third leg.