The NunaX solar car of the Dutch TU Delft team was completely destroyed by fire during the World Solar Challenge in Australia, in a competition considered to be the unofficial world solar cars championship.
This misfortune allowed the Belgian team to position itself in first place in the last kilometres of the race.
The Dutch driver, who had pulled the vehicle to first place in the competition, had only 300 kilometres to go. He was not injured in the incident.
The Belgian Agoria Solar Team - from the University of Leuven - which was right behind the Dutch team, expressed their disappointment and sympathy for the competing team.
Agoria took the lead on Thursday as they reached Adelaide, South Australia.
Their final race statement was sent out on Twitter.
With only 100 kilometers left until the finish of the #BWSC19, we are currently in first place! @vattenfallsolarteam had to drop out due to a fire. In this race, teams sometimes push their solar cars to the limit and this can have grave consequences. pic.twitter.com/GfilsHhV6G
— Agoria Solar Team (@solarteam_be) October 17, 2019
The Brussels Times
