Residents of Eréndira plan to block the Transpeninsular Highway on Friday followed by parts of the Baja 500 course on Saturday during the race, seeking justice after a fatal accident that took the life of local Felipe Aréchiga Ríos.

The crash occurred on Monday when Rolf Helland’s #37L Trophy Truck Legends was pre-running for the 500. Aréchiga was in a gray Scion ahead of the #37L when the latter slammed into the back of his car, causing both vehicles to roll. Aréchiga, a 38-year-old nicknamed “El Titi”, was brought to the hospital by his family where he died from his injuries.

The driver and co-driver of the #37L at the time, whose identities were not publicly disclosed, did not help Aréchiga and instead left the scene by helicopter. Reports stated they flew to a private hospital in Ensenada to tend to injuries whereas others claim they fled to the United States. An arrest warrant was issued while the #37L was seized.

Dismayed by the lack of response from Helland’s Norsemen Racing and SCORE International, Eréndirans announced their intention to protest. Contingency and the final day for pre-running is on Friday before racing begins Saturday.

“Neither the drivers nor SCORE took responsibility for the victim, who was left to his fate after the accident while the drivers were airlifted by helicopter,” one of the protesters stated. “Felipe died upon arriving at the hospital after being transported in a private vehicle, because he was left behind.”

While it has not been confirmed if Helland or teammate Rick D. Johnson was driving the #37L when the crash happened, neither participated in qualifying on Thursday.