Three spectators have died after a car veered off the road during an auto rally in central France on Saturday, prosecutors said. The victims were two brothers aged 70 and 60, and a 44-year-old man, according to the public prosecutor’s office.
The accident occurred near the town of Ambert at about 11am. The 22-year-old driver of a modified Peugeot 208 and her 51-year-old female co-driver were taken to hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.
Two men died at the scene, and a third later died after being airlifted to hospital. An investigation into involuntary manslaughter has been opened.
Several witnesses were in shock, and nine people were taken to a psychological support unit. The rally was halted at 10.49am, and all spectators were asked to leave. The award ceremony was cancelled.
Regional prosecutor Laure Moisset said the impact was “very violent” and that it was too early to confirm whether the spectators were in a restricted area. The road, which authorities described as almost a straight line, has been closed.
