THREE spectators have died at a rally in France after a driver veered off the road.
The tragic incident happened at the event near Ambert in the Puy-de-Dome region this morning.
The tragic incident happened at the event near Ambert in the Puy-de-Dome region this morning
The car crashed into spectators at around 10am this morning.
Two brothers aged 60 and 70 sadly died at the scene of the incident.
A 44-year-old father was taken to hospital but also subsequently passed away, according to reports.
The 22-year-old driver and their 51-year-old co-driver both sustained minor injuries.
The incident saw dozens of police officers and firefighters rush to the scene.
Several witnesses of the incident were in a state of shock, AFP has reported.
The Puy-de-Dome prefecture posted on X: “This morning, a tragic accident occurred during the Rallye de la Fourme d’Ambert.
“Following a vehicle in the race going off the road, several spectators were struck.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those affected by this tragedy.”
An involuntary manslaughter investigation has now been opened, local media reports add.
The 7km long race runs through the commune of Saint-Just.
The mayor of Saint-Just said he has “a great deal of emotion and sadness” in reaction to the tragedy.
He added: “My thoughts are especially with the families.
“The rally has been running for 30 years, and the last two years have seen one disaster after another.”
It is not the first tragic episode to occur at this event.
A steward is reported to have died at last year’s race after being hit by a car.
The 42-year-old had been attending to a car that had come off the road when a second vehicle hit him, according to France Bleu.
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