Teenager dies following incident at Donegal International Rally

Olivia Kelleher

A teenage spectator at the Donegal International Rally has died following an accident involving a participating car on Saturday afternoon.

Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club this evening issued a joint statement in which they said that they were “deeply saddened” to confirm the death of a young man following an accident at the twelfth stage of the rally.

“As a mark of respect, the organisers have cancelled the remainder of the event

"As the governing body for four-wheeled motorsport in Ireland, Motorsport Ireland together with An Garda Siochána, have begun a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident.

Motorsport Ireland is aware that video footage of the accident is circulating on social media and would ask anyone that sees it not to share it.

"Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club express their deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased and ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time.”

Meanwhile, it is understood that the teenager was transferred by ambulance to Letterkenny University Hospital shortly before 5pm today.

The youth, who was in his mid-teens, was subsequently pronounced dead at the hospital. A postmortem examination will take place.

It is understood that two other spectators were also treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The scene of the accident at Trentagh, near Kilmacrennan, has been preserved for a technical examination. Investigations are ongoing.