Spanish rider Luis Salom dies in crash at Catalunya Grand Prix

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By BNO NEWS

Spanish motorcycle racer Luis Salom has died after a crash during a free practice session for the Catalunya Grand Prix in Barcelona, world championship organizers say. He was just 24 years old.

The accident happened on Friday when Salom lost control of his Kalex motorcycle and fell at Turn 12 at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Barcelona. Footage of the accident was not available but no other riders are believed to have been involved.

Two medical cars, two ambulances and an air ambulance rushed to the scene to treat Salom, after which he was taken by ambulance to the nearby Hospital General de Catalunya. He underwent surgery but passed away at 4:55 p.m. local time, according to a statement from MotoGP.

“it is with great sadness that we have to report the passing of Luis Salom (SAG Team),” the statement said. “The session was red flagged with just under 25 minutes remaining after the Spanish rider fell at Turn 12.”

Salom, who made his World Championship debut at Jerez in 2009 in the 125cc category, finished on the podium in 25 races, including nine victories in the Moto3 World Championship. He finished the 2012 Moto3 World Championship in second position in the standings and a year later was third overall after competing with Maverick Viñales and Alex Rins down to the final round in Valencia.

Salom also finished on the podium three times in 41 appearances in the Moto2 World Championship, including a second place in the opening round of 2016 at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar. He was now due to compete at the Catalunya Grand Prix, which will take place this weekend.

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