Donegal International Rally cancelled after teenage spectator dies in accident

A teenage spectator has died after being struck by a rally car during the Donegal International Rally, with organisers cancelling the rest of the event as Gardaí began an investigation.

The crash happened during Stage 12 near Trentagh, close to Kilmacrennan in County Donegal. The boy was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital after the incident and later pronounced dead.

Two other spectators were also taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The driver, Callum Devine, and co-driver Noel O'Sullivan were uninjured.

Rally cancelled

The remainder of the rally was called off after the fatal incident. Gardaí sealed the scene for a technical examination and asked the public not to share footage or images of the crash.

Motorsport Ireland and the Donegal Motor Club said they were deeply saddened by the death and that they were working with An Garda Síochána on a joint investigation.

Event context

The Donegal International Rally is a major annual event based in Letterkenny and had been running over three days. Large crowds were expected, with Gardaí already carrying out a major policing operation around the rally.

The Sun reported that around 70,000 people were expected to attend and that Gardaí had made 34 arrests during the event for offences including public order, drink and drug driving, criminal damage and drug possession.

What happens next

Investigators are expected to continue examining how the spectator was struck and whether any safety procedures failed. A post-mortem and technical examination of the scene are expected, along with further official statements from police and motorsport officials.