Policeman dies and journalist saves life in blazing inferno outside MotoGP race
A police officer has died and a heroic journalist saved the life of another reporter in a blazing inferno outside the MotoGP race at Portimão Circuit in Portugal.
The incident occurred on Saturday night when a police bike and taxi crashed into the front of one another, with both vehicles bursting into flames.
Police officer João Fernandes died in the incident while journalist Lucio Lopez, who was in the taxi when it crashed, was pulled from the flames by Simon Patterson, a freelance MotoGP journalist.
MotoGP jounalist Mat Oxley shared the news on Twitter, along with the announcement that a minute of silence as a tribute to Fernandes would be held prior to the Portimão race on Sunday, which was won by Francesco Bagnaia.
Oxley wrote: “Huge accident outside circuit last night Head-on between police bike & taxi, carrying journalist Lucio Lopez.
“Blazing inferno. Journalist Simon Patterson pulled Lopex away from the flames. Simon treated for smoke inhalation at local hospital. Lucio flown to Lisbon for treatment.”
Oxley posted a photo of a message along with the tweet, which read: “Dear All, I would like to inform you that there will be a minute of silence at 10:30 (local time in Portimão) in memory of João Fernandes, the First Sergeant of the Faro Police, who tragically lost his life last night in the line of duty while assisting at the GP.”
As reported by Oxley, Patterson acted heroically to pull Lopez from the fire, and he took to Twitter to share his feelings.
“Thanks for all the messages, I'm fine and back at the track today,” he wrote.
“Thoughts and condolences with the family, friends and fellow officers of Sergeant João Fernandes, and hoping that @LucioLopezGP makes a speedy recovery.”
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The Algarve Grand Prix was won with ease by Bagnaia, with the Italian's victory clinching the constructors' championship for Ducati.
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