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The Clare Stages Rally was cancelled after the serious two-car collision in the fourth stage of the event about 1.30pm.
The event was immediately halted while emergency services were alerted and mobilised to the scene.
National Ambulance Service paramedics responded to the incident while the Emergency Aeromedical Service air ambulance, Aeromed-01, based in Cork and operated by the HSE, was also requested to attend.
In the meantime, the event’s own emergency crews responded to the incident.
The victim, the passenger in the vehicle his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the second vehicle involved was taken to hospital, where his injuries are not life threatening.
The driver of the first car and the passenger in the second car were not injured.
The event was taking place on public roads that had been closed to traffic for the event.
Motorsport Ireland, the national governing body, confirmed a competitor had died.
“Motorsport Ireland extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of a competitor who was fatally injured during a tragic accident today while competing on the fourth stage of the 2023 Clare Stages Rally,” the organisation said in a statement.
“The driver of a second car involved in the incident has been transferred to University Hospital Limerick to received treatment for injuries he sustained.”
The organisation added: “Motorsport Ireland extends its sympathies to the members of Clare Motor Club and everyone involved with organising today’s event who reacted so quickly and professionally to the incident.
“Motorsport Ireland and its affiliated clubs are recognised internationally for operating to the highest standards of motorsport safety for competitors and spectators in line with the best practice of the FIA.”
A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a fatal collision involving two vehicles, that occurred earlier this afternoon Sunday, 24th September 2023 at approximately 1:30pm.
“A passenger of one vehicle, a male in his 30s, was fatally injured and pronounced deceased at scene. His body has been removed from the scene to University Hospital Limerick where a post mortem will take place in due course.
“The male driver (age unknown) of the second vehicle was conveyed to University Hospital Limerick for treatment for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. The second driver and passenger, both males were uninjured.
“The road is currently closed and scene of the collision is preserved for examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Traffic diversions are in place.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 684 8100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”
Emergency services, including the air ambulance, attended the scene.
Organisers Clare Motor Club said it confirmed an incident had taken place on stage four of the rally.
“The relevant authorities were immediately advised of the incident and emergency services are in attendance at the scene. The event has been halted and a further statement will be issued in due course,” the club said.
The collision took place at an area called Glencolumbkille near Carron.
The road remains closed and it is expected a garda collision investigation will take place. Local diversions are in place in the area.
More to follow…
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