RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Organizers postponed the start of the 2016 Dakar Rally until Monday after a horrific crash during the prologue stage in Argentina.

Ten spectators were injured - including five children - when Guo Meiling lost control of her Mini Cooper during the 11km warm up.

The incident, which occurred during heavy rain, prompted the cancellation of Sunday's first stage from Rosario to Villa Carlos Paz.

Instead, drivers will begin the race with the Villa Carlos Paz-Termas Rio Hondo second stage on Monday.

The 5,000-mile off-road journey through Argentina and Bolivia is due to finish in Rosario on January 16.