Three people have died following a tragic accident at the Rallye de la Fourme d’Ambert in central France, after a car veered off the track and struck spectators near Ambert in the Puy-de-Dôme region.
The crash occurred around 10 a.m. on Saturday. Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third succumbed to severe injuries in hospital. According to local news outlet La Montagne, the driver suffered only minor injuries. Emergency services, including dozens of police officers and firefighters, were deployed immediately.
Authorities have launched an investigation for involuntary manslaughter. Toxicology tests are being carried out on both the driver and co-driver. Joël Mathurin, prefect of Puy-de-Dôme, stated that “around a dozen people were involved” and noted that spectators were in a prohibited area marked by red tape, though the investigation will confirm the exact circumstances.
The race, covering a 7km route between Baffie and Fontlobines in Saint-Just, was halted following the incident, with the awards ceremony canceled.
The mayor of Saint-Just, François Chautard, expressed deep sorrow, saying, “The rally has been running for 30 years, and the last two years have seen one disaster after another.” In July 2024, a steward was killed in a similar accident during the event.
The Rallye de la Fourme, first held in 1965, featured 167 teams in its 2025 edition
