The French driver Philippe Boutron, injured Thursday by the explosion of his car near Jeddah (west) while participating in the Dakar 2022, underwent surgery in Saudi Arabia and must be repatriated to France, announced the organization of the rally. -raid, Saturday 1er January.
“The driver of the car sustained a serious leg injury and had to undergo an operation. His condition is improving (…). His vehicle had been brutally stopped by a sudden explosion, the origin of which is still unknown at this stage. Saudi police immediately went to the scene and began their investigations, ruling out any possibility, including that of a malicious act ”, according to the press release from the organizer, Amaury Sport Organization (ASO).
On his website, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on travelers to “Maximum vigilance” after this “Explosion” emphasizing that “The hypothesis of a criminal act is not ruled out”. “The terrorist threat persists in Saudi Arabia. Maximum vigilance should be exercised in everyday life, especially when traveling “, underlined the Quai d’Orsay.
Saudi authorities speak of “accident”
Shortly after, the Saudi interior minister, however, dismissed any “Criminal suspicion” to explain this ” accident “. According to a journalist from Agence France-Presse (AFP), security has been greatly enhanced around the rally-raid bivouac.
Race director David Castera said in an interview to Franceinfo that Philippe Boutron was driving an assistance car of the French team Sodicars, on board which were also several passengers, when the explosion occurred. According to the French Foreign Ministry, the other five passengers in the car are “Unharmed”.
At 61, Philippe Boutron was taking part in his ninth Dakar and is president of the US Orléans football club (3e division). Organizers did not give more details on the severity of his injuries.