Spanish Moto2 rider Luis Salom killed in Barcelona crash

LUIS Salom, the Spanish Moto2 rider, has died after crashing during a practice session at the Catalonia Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old was taken to hospital on Friday June 3 and underwent surgery but passed away from his injuries at 4.55pm local time.

A medical helicopter, two cars and two ambulances were sent to the scene at Turn 12 of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, but there was little that could be done to save the elite rider.

Making his World Championship debut at Jerez in 2009, Salom was a regular on the podium, notching up nine victories in the Moto3 World Championships, and making a total of 41 appearances in the Moto2 championships, earning a second place finish at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar earlier this year.

Details on the cause of the crash are as yet unclear.