Accident at Donegal Rally Leads to Hospitalization and Stage Cancellations
Kris Meeke and co-driver Liam Regan were leading the Donegal International Rally before the event was halted during stage 12.
Two spectators were taken to hospital following an accident on Saturday afternoon at the Donegal International Rally. The incident occurred during the first pass of the Gartan stage, which was the 12th of 20 stages in the three-day event, recognized as one of the largest motorsport events in Ireland.
Organizers have not provided updates on the condition of the two spectators, who were transported to Letterkenny University Hospital for treatment.
As a result of the accident, the final two stages scheduled for Saturday were cancelled. A decision regarding the completion of the rally with the remaining six stages on Sunday is expected later on Saturday.
Rally Standings Prior to Suspension
Before the rally was stopped, five-time World Rally Championship winner Kris Meeke and co-driver Liam Regan held the lead by 13.9 seconds over Callum Devine and navigator Noel O'Sullivan. Devine is attempting to become the first driver to win the Donegal Rally four consecutive times.
M-Sport WRC driver Josh McErlean and co-driver Eoin Treacy were in third place, trailing the leader by 31.6 seconds. European Rally Championship competitor Philip Allen and co-driver Craig Drew occupied fourth place.
On his first appearance at the rally in 18 years, Toyota driver Meeke led Devine and McErlean by 11.8 seconds after the initial six stages on Friday.
Modified Class and Other Competitors
In the modified class, Michael Dunlop, known for his Isle of Man TT record wins, resumed the rally on Saturday morning. Dunlop had been forced to withdraw from Friday's six stages due to a mechanical issue with his Ford Escort.
