Driver dies after accident in Taklimakan Rally 8th stage

　　URUMQI, May 29 (Xinhua) -- A driver competing in the 2026 Taklimakan Rally died following an accident during the eighth stage of the event in Xinjiang, the race organizing committee said Friday.

　　The accident involved car No. 179 from the Yunlian Racing Team on May 26, the committee said in a statement, adding that ground and air rescue forces were immediately activated after the command center received the alert.

　　Driver Zhang Xiujun succumbed to his injuries despite on-site rescue and hospital treatment. The committee expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the family, saying it is cooperating with relevant parties on follow-up matters while the cause of the accident is under investigation.

　　Launched in 2005, the Taklimakan Rally is one of Asia's premier cross-country rally events and is held across China's northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. ■