Racer CS Santosh’s crash shakes racing community in Hyderabad

The medical team declared that he suffered no major physical injuries except dislocated right shoulder and head trauma, but he was kept in a medically-induced coma for observation

Hyderabad: The tragic accident of India’s renowned motorcycle racer CS Santosh in the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday sent shock waves across the racing circles in the country. Santosh suffered a crash during the Stage 4 race in Saudi Arabia and he was in a medically-induced coma in a hospital in Riyadh.

The medical team declared that he suffered no major physical injuries except dislocated right shoulder and head trauma, but he was kept in a medically-induced coma for observation. The 37-year-old was representing Hero MotoSport in the Dakar Rally. The Dakar Rally is one of the toughest off-road races in the world and it has seen so many accidents leading to the death of many. With the crash taking place around 135 km into the Stage on a gravel track and had to forfeit the stage.

The accident shook the racing community in the city as well. Mohammed Riyaz, 32-year-old Hyderabad racer said he was shocked when he learnt about the race. “He is one of my closest friends. The Dakar Rally always witnessed incidents. Accidents are bound to happen. But this time it turned out to be a major one,” he said.

“When I first heard the news, I was very upset. He is one of the very few drivers to represent India in the Dakar Rally. I was also worried about his family. His parents must have been in shock after the incident. The Dakar Rally is the toughest race in the world. The route is very challenging.”

“We heard about the incident and all the racers are eagerly waiting for the updates. Once we came to know that he was out of danger, we were happy. But he is still in coma. We were told that he suffered a head injury and lost blood for a minute. His shoulder got dislocated. We are praying for his speedy recovery,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mazdayar Vatcha, a multiple national champion said, “It’s been a very unfortunate incident resulting in severe injuries to Santosh. Thanks to fellow riders, Spierings and Gerini for resuscitating him. We’re hoping to see him back on the road to recovery as soon as possible.”

He was also relieved that injuries were not fatal. “The extent of his injuries is now confirmed to be limited to a dislocated shoulder and head trauma,” he added.

Santosh was competing in his seventh Dakar Rally. He was also the first Indian to complete the race in 2015. He had also suffered a near-fatal accident in the 2013 Abu Dhabi desert challenge, suffering burns to his neck after his Suzuki MAX 450X caught fire.

Also read:

Indian rider CS Santosh suffers crash in Dakar Rally

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