Spectators die after being hit by a car during a rally

Two spectators died Saturday during the Fourme car rally in Puy-de-Dôme, after being hit by a car that left the road, the prefecture announced. A third person, who was also watching the race, was seriously injured and taken to hospital, the prefecture said, confirming reports from "Ici Pays d'Auvergne" and "La Montagne."

Several people present at the time of the accident were "shocked" and taken into care. The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. near the town of Ambert, in the eastern part of the department. The Puy-de-Dôme prefect was on his way to the scene midday, and a press briefing was scheduled for around 2:00 p.m.

This car rally had already been in mourning last year. The 42-year-old race steward was killed while responding to an accident.