Some terrible news from Africa. Two people were killed and several others injured in a collision during Stage 1 of the Tour du Rwanda on Sunday.
According to race organizers, a driver travelling within the race caravan left the road and drove into spectators along the route. Two people died at the scene. In a statement, the organizers said that it wanted to inform the public of an collision that occurred today during Stage 1 in the Gabiro area.
Six others were injured in the incident.
“Those who were injured are receiving care, and we are currently monitoring their situation closely,” the statement said. “The national police of Rwanda has launched an investigation into the cause of the collision.”
Opening stage of Tour du Rwanda
The first stage of the 18th Tour du Rwanda went from Rukomo to Rwamagana for a total of 173.6km. The collision occurred with roughly 60 km remaining.
Despite the incident, the stage was completed as scheduled. Israeli rider Itamar Einhorn (NSN Development Team) won the opener in a bunch sprint.
Hodei Muñoz (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) was second, with Mewael Girmay (Istanbul Team) in third. Girmay is the younger brother of superstar Biniam of NSN Cycling.
Authorities have not released further details about what led to the collision.
PUBLIC NOTICE pic.twitter.com/hspSA0KSLS
— 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝘂 𝗥𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 🇷🇼 (@tour_du_Rwanda) February 22, 2026