A second competitor has died in two days at the Morocco Desert Challenge rally raid. Dutch co-driver Bram van der Wouden, 52, was fatally injured in an accident during the event's fourth stage on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
The incident occurred near the town of Zagora. According to race organizers, the Toyota Land Cruiser in which van der Wouden was navigating, driven by Kees Koolen, left the road and rolled over. Medical teams provided immediate assistance, but van der Wouden succumbed to his injuries.
This tragedy follows the death of French motorcycle rider Laurent Lichtleuchter, 49, who died on Monday, March 16, after a crash during the rally's third stage. The organization expressed its deepest condolences to the families and friends of both competitors.
The Morocco Desert Challenge, a grueling off-road event spanning over 2,500 kilometers, has suspended its competitive stages following the fatalities. Organizers are cooperating with local authorities as investigations into both accidents continue.
