Jan 13, 2006, 17:48 GMT
Tambacounda, Senegal - A spectator became the latest person to lose his life in the 28th Dakar Rally Friday when he was hit by a competing car during the 13th stage from Labe to Tambacounda.
The young African, who was watching the event with his family six kilometres outside Kourahoye when he was hit by a car driven by Latvian Maris Saukans, is the 47th person to die in the history of the event.
Organisers sent a helicopter with medical staff to the scene but the victim died on the way to hospital in Labe. On Monday, Australian motorcyclist Andy Caldecott died from a broken neck after falling off his bike.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi's Luc Alphand of France remained on track for a first Dakar win after taking his second stage win to extend his lead over South Africa's Giniel de Villiers in a Volkswagen Touareg from 20 minutes 31 seconds to 22:13 minutes.
Spain's Joan-Nani Roma in a Mitsubishi lies third, 1:32.31 hours behind Alphand.
Another Spaniard Marc Coma is closing in on his first motorcycle category title and has a lead of 31.16 minutes over last year's winner Cyril Despres.
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