The accident that claimed the life of one spectator happened during the 45th edition of the Catania-Etna hillclimb, 6th round of the 2010 TIVM-Sud "Trofeo Italiano Velocità Montagna Sud" (Italian Hillclimb Trophy - Southern Regions).
On Sunday, 05 September 2010 morning, the Renault Clio E3 driven by Rocco Russo went out of control at the exit of a fast left-hander and crashed into a small wall, ending into a ravine. It happened less than two kms after the start of the hillclimb, near the village of Nicolosi, province of Catania, Italy. Stones of the wall fell to a level below and hit two brothers who were standing there, seriously injuring them both. The driver Russo escaped injuries.
Francesco Zappalà, 27-year-old from Gravina di Catania, was taken by helicopter to Cannizzaro hospital in Catania, where he succumbed to his massive leg and abdominal injuries, shortly after midnight. His brother Emanuele Zappalà, 21, who sustained hip fractures, was recovered at Garibaldi hospital in Catania. The brothers were spectating the race with their father Mario Zappalà and Francesco's fiancée Santi, who were unhurt.
Owing to the accident the hillclimb was axed after a briefing between the race director and the remaining racers at the start.
This tragedy came into a very sad Sunday of Italian racing, given the fatal accident of Japanese rider Shōya Tomizawa during the Moto2 Race in Misano and the death of Vincenzo Macaluso who suffered heart attack during the Slalom Polizzi Generosa.
R.I.P
