British woman dies on trans-Siberian rally

Emma Wilkinson, 46, believed to be from Kettering in Northamptonshire, was killed in a head-on collision between her 1970 Chevrolet C10 pick-up and a Volkswagen Polo.

She was taking part in the Peking (Beijing) to Paris Motor Challenge, said to be the longest and toughest challenge anyone can drive in a vintage or classic car.

She was with her partner and fellow participant Peter Davies when the accident between Tyumen and Omsk.

Mr Davies was not injured but a 31-year-old man and a baby who were passengers in the other vehicle were killed while a woman is in intensive care in hospital, Tyumen region police said.

Officers believe the driver of the Polo may have fallen asleep at the wheel moments before careering across the road into the path of the oncoming Chevrolet as there were no skid marks and traffic was very light.

Rally director Philip Young said: “Emma was a fun loving, lively and popular member of the rally.

“In the three weeks we’ve been together both she and Peter proved themselves to be capable, competent and resourceful.

“Their 1970 Chevrolet C10 pickup was a remarkable sight in the Mongolian wilderness and today our thoughts and sympathies are with Emma’s family and friends including her two brothers Robert and Mark who are also participating.”