Dad-of-five killed in horror crash at Donegal International Rally after car smashed through hedge in front of shocked spectators
A RALLY driver was killed after his car hit a bump in the road and crashed off the track through a hedge.
Manus Kelly was hoping to win his fourth Donegal International Rally in a row after taking the title the previous three years.
But tragedy struck on the final day of the three-day event in Ireland at around 12.20pm at the Fanad Head loop leaving spectators stunned.
It’s understood Mr Kelly’s Hyundai i20 R5 hit a bump in the road and smashed through a hedge and into a field.
Mr Kelly’s navigator Donal Barrett was also injured in the crash and taken to Letterkenny General Hospital.
The final stages of the rally were cancelled after the crash.
Motorsport Ireland and the Donegal Motor Club confirmed the news of Mr Kelly’s death.
Manus was a three-time winner of the rally and was immensely popular in the rally fraternity
Donegal Motor Club and Motorsport Ireland
In a joint statement, they said: “Donegal Motor Club and Motorsport Ireland would like to extend its sympathies to the family and friends of Manus Kelly who was fatally injured during a tragic accident while competing in the Donegal International Rally on Sunday.
“Manus was a three-time winner of the rally and was immensely popular in the rally fraternity.
“He was elected to Donegal County Council in the recent elections and was a prominent businessman in Donegal.
“Our thoughts are with his family and all affected at this time.”
A Garda spokesman has confirmed that they are investigating the accident.
He said: “Gardai are investigating the sudden death of a man following an incident at a Rally Event in Donegal.
CO-PILOT INJURED
“At approximately 12.20pm a competitor in the rally, male 40s, was fatally injured when his car was involved in a single car crash during a stage of the event in Fanad.
“His navigator (male 30s) injured in the crash was taken by ambulance to Letterkenny University Hospital.
“His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
“The matter is under investigation and the local coroner has been notified.
“The deceased has since been removed to the mortuary at Letterkenny University Hospital. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”
INVESTIGATION ONGOING
In a statement released this afternoon, Motorsport Ireland said: “It is with regret that Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club announce that a fatality has occurred during the final day of the 2019 Donegal International Rally on Sunday.
“The Donegal Motor Club are liaising with the family of the competitor involved.
“The relevant authorities have begun a full investigation into the incident and will be assisted by Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club.
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“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.
“The entire motorsport community extends its fullest sympathy to the family of the bereaved.”
The three-day annual event takes place in June each year and attracts large numbers of spectators and in excess of 200 competitors took part in this year’s event.