Tour du Rwanda organisers confirmed on Sunday that two spectators were killed and six others injured after a caravan vehicle veered off the road during Stage 1 of the race in the Gabiro area of eastern Rwanda.
The six injured spectators are receiving medical care, organisers said. The Rwanda National Police has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.
"The Management of the Tour du Rwanda regrets to inform the public of an accident that occurred today during Stage 1 in the Gabiro area, where a caravan vehicle veered off the road and hit several spectators," the organisers said in a statement issued on social media.
The vehicle involved was part of the race caravan, a convoy of sponsor, technical support and organisational cars that travels ahead of or behind the peloton. It was not a competitor vehicle.
Organisers said they "remain committed to public safety" and extended condolences to the families of those affected. No further details on the cause of the crash or the condition of the injured were provided.
Despite the tragedy, Stage 1 continued and concluded in the town of Rwamagana, and was won by Itamar Einhorn (NSN Cycling).
Tour draws large roadside crowds
The Tour du Rwanda, now in its 18th edition, is a flagship event on the UCI Africa Tour calendar and draws dense crowds of spectators along roads in both rural and urban areas. The 2026 edition covers 993 kilometres across eight stages. Last year's edition covered 804 kilometres across 23 districts, requiring large-scale police mobilisation to manage traffic and crowd safety.
Ahead of last year's race, Rwanda National Police spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga urged spectators to keep their distance from the road. "We call on all cycling enthusiasts and spectators to stay away from the road and avoid crossing recklessly," he said, while police also warned parents against leaving children unattended during stages.
The cause of Sunday's incident has not been established.
Cover image credit - the 2025 World Championships in Rwanda: Chris Auld/SWpix.com
