Rally horror as three spectators are killed after driver crashes off road - one year on from tragic incident at same race

A French rally event has been rocked by tragedy for the second year in a row after three spectators — including two brothers — were killed when a car veered off the road and crashed into the crowd.

The fatal incident took place around 10am on Saturday during the Rallye de la Fourme d'Ambert in the Puy-de-Dome region of central France.

The 22-year-old driver is said to have lost control during a 7km stage through the commune of Saint-Just, leaving the track and striking a group of spectators.

Two brothers, aged 60 and 70, died at the scene. A 44-year-old father was rushed to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

The driver and his 51-year-old co-driver both suffered only minor injuries.

Dozens of police officers and firefighters responded to the crash, while several shocked witnesses were reportedly treated at the scene.

The regional government posted on X (formerly Twitter): '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.'

Local media report that an investigation into involuntary manslaughter has been opened.

The mayor of Saint-Just expressed his devastation, saying: 'I have a great deal of emotion and sadness. 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.'

This marks the second year in a row the event has ended in tragedy.

In 2023, a 42-year-old steward was killed after being hit by a rally car while tending to a vehicle that had earlier gone off the road.

The back-to-back fatalities are now likely to spark renewed scrutiny over spectator safety at motorsport events in France.