Rally Car Crashes into Spectators in Cavan- Two Dead Seven Injured

Mr. Incognito

http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0527/two-spectators-killed-at-cavan-stages-car-rally.html

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/0527/breaking10.html

A garda investigation is under way after the incident, which happened 2km outside Bailieborough at around 11:30am this morning.

Witnesses have said the car appeared to go out of control before hitting a group of people standing beside a road side fence.

The HSE said seven people were being treated for their injuries at Cavan General Hospital.

It did not disclose the severity of their injuries.

The rally has been cancelled and garda experts are examining the scene of the accident.

One witness Matthew McMahon said that "the car went over the crest, spun off the road through a fence and I heard the skid of the car."

He continued, "people were screaming and shouting red flag, red flag, stop the stage! There were people crying."

Two people were killed and seven injured in an accident at a motor rally in Co Cavan today.

The incident happened after one of the vehicles lost control and crashed into a fence outside a house near Bailieborough, where spectators were standing.

Gardaí confirmed there were two fatalities following the crash which occurred at about 11.30 am.

Local sources say one of the victims was a female spectator in her 20s and the other was a male photographer, though this information has yet to be confirmed by authorities.

The Health Service Executive said seven others were taken to Cavan General Hospital for treatment, but declined to provide details of their injuries.

Emergency services were at the scene of the incident shorty afterwards and the rally was suspended.

One eyewitness, Mathew McMahon, saw the accident occur and described the scene in the aftermath.

“The car went over a crest [in the road] and I don't know if something broke or if he lost control, but he spun off the road into a fence and, I assume, into spectators,” Mr McMahon told RTÉ Radio.

“Then I heard people screaming, ‘red flag, red flag, stop the stage’. Then all hell broke loose, basically. There were people crying, people white as ghosts. It was clear something serious had happened. Then someone announced that someone had been killed.”

Another onlooker, who declined to be named, described the chaos following the accident.

"It was harrowing: bodies strewn all over the place. A lot of carnage. From what I could see there were two fatalities. Maybe eight injured, one seriously. There were seven or eight ambulances on the scene shortly afterwards," he told The Irish Times.

"From what I saw, the car came over the crest, lost complete control when it landed and just careered into the crowd."

The accident occurred during Cavan Stages Rally which was making its first appearance in Cavan. Around 130 racing crews were taking part in the event.

A Garda spokesman said that roads in the area remain closed and the scene of the accident is being examined by a forensic collision investigator.

The event was staged by Cavan Motor Club, which expressed deep regret at the incident.

“At this time all our energy is focused on the families of those involved in this tragic accident,” it said in a statement.

“The relevant authorities were immediately advised of the incident and the rally rescue services attended the scene. An investigation has begun into all facts surrounding the accident.”

R.I.P

Guess that's the end of fellas hanging off ditches with their iphones.

RichieC

God, dam.. so easily happens at these events. It's actually a little surprising it doesn't happen more often..

Run_to_da_hills

RIP and condolences to those families of loved ones.

hairyprincess

That's why I detest those rallies.

RIP to those who lost their lives. A senseless waste.

PogMoThoin

RIP

Mr. Incognito wrote: »

Guess that's the end of fellas hanging off ditches with their iphones.

My wife read somewhere the man was a photographer

Mint Sauce

RIP.

This was a terrible freak accident, although I think its a bit early to be making generalisations about those who attend the events, or discussing the merits of the sport.

cocalolaman

irish-stew wrote: »

RIP.

its a bit early to be making generalisations about those who attend the events, or discussing the merits of the sport.

Quoted for emphasis. I can expect people saying rallying should be banned. etc.

It's basically the case with every rally. Spectators aren't exactly 100% safe standing on a ditch next to the road and coloured tape isn't going to stop a car from hitting something or someone.

girl in the striped socks

Rallying can be great craic, with today's weather it's perfect for spectators to enjoy it & relax.
However people get way too close to the action, hanging off ditches, sitting on piers etc.
Without trying to sound dramatic a car is a very dangerous weapon, I'm just surprised it hasn't happened more often.

Rip.

Big Nasty

Heard this on the news earlier.

RIP to those involved.:(

hondasam

RIP to the victims.
Lets not start calling to ban rallies, it's a great sport and enjoyable for the spectators.

SocSocPol

RIP to the victims and best wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.
Freak accident, lets hope for no kneejerk reactions looking to ban a very popular sport.

MagicMarker

I really don't understand why spectators are allowed just stand at the side of the road at these events, it was only a matter of time before something like this happened.

girl in the striped socks

MagicMarker wrote: »

I really don't understand why spectators are allowed just stand at the side of the road at these events, it was only a matter of time before something like this happened.

I agree, but where else do they stand?
Standing on a grass verge or on a wall gives you the best vantage point to see the action.

Ares

hairyprincess wrote: »

That's why I detest those rallies.

RIP to those who lost their lives. A senseless waste.

Lol! Those rallies. As in there are certain types of rallies that are ok but you detest the one held in Cavan today.

Its a tragedy that people died following something they liked/loved. RIP to the two dead and I hope their families and other hurt involved get the support they need.

How and ever motorsport is inherently dangerous and these people knew they were taking risks standing where they did. Sad and all as it is this shouldn't be a template for the banning of motorsport. If its banned then surely everything, with any risk of injury whatsoever no matter how minute the risk is, should also be banned with it.

hondasam

hairyprincess wrote: »

That's why I detest those rallies.

RIP to those who lost their lives. A senseless waste.

How do you mean a senseless waste ?

Monty Burnz

hondasam wrote: »

How do you mean a senseless waste ?

If it's not a senseless waste, does that make it a sensible waste?

planetX

Horrible news.
but I hate rallys - I get forced out of my house for an entire sunday because they close the road where I live (and I'm not going to be stuck in waiting for a car to come thru my wall). Have to keep my pets indoors for the day before and after as well. I live on a dangerous narrow country road, where people drive too fast every day and because of them you risk your life walking or cycling. What message does a rally send, driving dangerously fast on unsuitable roads is a sport?

Dave!

When rallies were on TV alot when I was younger, it always struck me how insane it was to have crowds of people gathered around the corners these cars are sliding around. Dunno what their safety stats are, but I gather they're pretty good or there would be more fuss made.

It's pretty silly to call for the sport to be banned, but surely the organisers should be held responsible if it's the case that spectators were allowed to gather in dangerous spots. I dunno the facts of it though, so won't jump to conclusions.

Tin Foil Hat

irish-stew wrote: »

RIP.

This was a terrible freak accident, although I think its a bit early to be making generalisations about those who attend the events, or discussing the merits of the sport.

SocSocPol wrote: »

RIP to the victims and best wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.
Freak accident, lets hope for no kneejerk reactions looking to ban a very popular sport.

Ye two must have a very strange definition of the term 'freak accident'. Standing on the side of a narrow winding road while cars drive along it as fast as humanly possibly is a recipe for disaster.
On the contrary, this accident was all too predictable.

kirving

You can only hold the organisers responsible to a certain extent. That is, if they realised people were in a dangerous place, and allowed the event to continue.

No matter where you go, there will always be people putting themselves in dangersous situations without realising it, and there is very little you can do about it.

Mint Sauce

Tin Foil Hat wrote: »

Ye two must have a very strange definition of the term 'freak accident'. Standing on the side of a narrow winding road while cars drive along it as fast as humanly possibly is a recipe for disaster.
On the contrary, this accident was all too predictable.

Freak accident, in the sense I haven't heard it happening too often.

PogMoThoin

I've been to many rallys. The organisers do laps and usually warn and move people on from unsafe areas, but as soon as the race begins these people return. Happens every time

Ares

planetX wrote: »

Horrible news.
but I hate rallys - I get forced out of my house for an entire sunday because they close the road where I live (and I'm not going to be stuck in waiting for a car to come thru my wall). Have to keep my pets indoors for the day before and after as well. I live on a dangerous narrow country road, where people drive too fast every day and because of them you risk your life walking or cycling. What message does a rally send, driving dangerously fast on unsuitable roads is a sport?

Is this every sunday or one sunday of the year?

:rolleyes:

JONJO THE MISER

MagicMarker wrote: »

I really don't understand why spectators are allowed just stand at the side of the road at these events, it was only a matter of time before something like this happened.

Yes i agree, what with all the health and safety of today, im very surpised there isnt more done.
Ive often watched rallies but keep a distance, ive seen people with kids running back the road for a better view between cars:eek:

girl in the striped socks

planetX wrote: »

Horrible news.
but I hate rallys - I get forced out of my house for an entire sunday because they close the road where I live (and I'm not going to be stuck in waiting for a car to come thru my wall). Have to keep my pets indoors for the day before and after as well. I live on a dangerous narrow country road, where people drive too fast every day and because of them you risk your life walking or cycling. What message does a rally send, driving dangerously fast on unsuitable roads is a sport?

Actually most rally drivers I know are excellent drivers& don't speed on roads in their everyday cars. I don't know where to find a link but apparently rally drivers are less likely to take chances & speed on roads compared to other drivers.

Carazy

Ar dheis De go raibh siad.

Please do not make generalisations or speculations regarding the incident and motorsport in general if you have no knowledge regarding it..

The Big Red Button

I wasn't at the rally today, but I've been to several in the past, and they've always been very well marshalled.

However there is an incredible amount of work involved on the day, and they can't have marshals at every step along the stage. And, even if they could, it probably wouldn't prevent the possibility of spectator injuries, unless they were to cordon off a couple of hundred yards each side of the road all the way round the track!!

I'm not going to speculate on how today's accident happened. But there's no mention in the articles of any corners etc - if it was a relatively smooth straight part of the road, chances are there wouldn't have been much of the area to the sides cordoned off. So it's up to the spectators themselves to decide where to watch from. Personally at rallies I've attended, I've often stood in behind the ditch at the side of a straight stretch of road, and felt safe enough there. Of course, I was always aware of the possibility of a freak accident happening (such as today's.) But, if you're going to have that attitude, you're in as much (more?) danger of being hit by a car while walking along the footpath beside a busy road at any time of the day or night!

There are high standards of regulation at these rallies, and they are thoroughly enforced. Spectators attending the rallies are aware of the risks involved.

Those killed and injured today were very unlucky, it sounds like it was a freak accident and they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yeah, it mightn't have happened to them if they hadn't decided to spend a nice sunny Sunday afternoon out at a rally - but sure how many accidents would have been avoided if people stayed safely sitting at home all the time?

Condolences to the families and friends of those involved.

hge19

MagicMarker wrote: »

I really don't understand why spectators are allowed just stand at the side of the road at these events, it was only a matter of time before something like this happened.

It's not that simple. Motorsport Ireland do a great job on crowd control and these events are very well organised and regulated. If MI assumes an area to be safe they do so in the best interest of the competitors and spectators. This was just a tragic and unfortunate occurance. It's not organised by a group of boy racers, these people have brains.... Sympathies to all involved.

somefeen

RIP There's not much you can really say about the tragedy apart from that.

Hopefully there wont be calls for the sport to be banned. I think this is the first time this has ever happened in this country, but there is a need for better crowd management at these events, but how do you go about telling someone they can't stand on public/their own property?
It is dangerous, no one can deny that but usually the marshalls and organisers are more than keen to make people aware of the dangers involved.

Of course these people could have been standing in a relatively safe spot, according to the eyewitness the car had landed but lost control after that so we don't know how far the people were from the jump.
Unfortunately the sport doesn't have the best image already, every rally attracts the usual muppets and boy racers but it certainly doesn't encourage people to drive dangerously, as someone above suggested. Its a closed road with no traffic its not like there's going to be a tractor around the corner is it.
If you want to ban something for spectator danger ban fecking airshows.

upandcumming

planetX wrote: »

Horrible news.
but I hate rallys - I get forced out of my house for an entire sunday because they close the road where I live (and I'm not going to be stuck in waiting for a car to come thru my wall). Have to keep my pets indoors for the day before and after as well. I live on a dangerous narrow country road, where people drive too fast every day and because of them you risk your life walking or cycling. What message does a rally send, driving dangerously fast on unsuitable roads is a sport?

You're not forced to do anything. You can stay in if you want. And no car is going to come through your wall.

cocalolaman

planetX wrote: »

What message does a rally send, driving dangerously fast on unsuitable roads is a sport?

Please define what a 'suitable' road is. That's the point of rallying, trying to get the fastest time on a difficult stretch of terrain. Wouldn't be very exciting if they just drove on a flat straight for a few miles.