Motorcyclist Cristobal Guerrero in a Coma after Dakar Crash

The South-American Rally Dakar was close to making its second victim on Tuesday, after rider Cristobal Guerrero crashed at the Km 160 mark of the 10th stage of the event. The 48-year old rider was immediately taken to the Copiapo hospital by the race organizers, but his condition is critical. A statement released by the Dakar officials revealed the Spaniard in currently in a coma.

“Cristobal Guerrero fell during the 10th stage at the 160 kilometre mark. The patient is in a coma and has been taken to hospital in Copiapó where he will undergo a scan,” revealed a Dakar spokesman.

Yesterday's stage was shortened due to foggy conditions, with the field having to cross the Atacama desert for the 10th stage of the rally.

The news comes less than a week after Frenchman Pascal Terry was found dead some 160 km out of Santa Rosa, after he had been previously missing for 2 days following Stage 2 of the rally. The motorcyclist was later diagnosed with pulmonary edema.

Terry was the first competitor to lose his life in this year's competition and the 26th overall in the history of the Dakar Rally.

Also, Paul Green and Matthew Harrison suffered serious injuries (thorax and spine related) following a car crash in the first stage of the rally. Their medical condition is now stable.