Overview
- A competing car left the road and struck spectators at Location 15 on Special Stage 12, Gartan, during the Donegal International Rally on Saturday, leaving three people injured and one, later identified by gardaí as 15-year-old Tadhg Callaghan-Carter, dead.
- Tadhg Callaghan-Carter was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital where he was pronounced dead and his school, Saint Eunan’s College, said it will open to support pupils and staff after tributes and condolences were posted.
- Organisers cancelled the remainder of the three-day event as a mark of respect and Motorsport Ireland said it has joined An Garda Síochána and Donegal Motor Club in a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
- Gardaí have preserved the scene, notified the local coroner and asked witnesses with mobile phone or dash-cam footage to contact Letterkenny Garda Station while urging the public not to share circulating images or video.
- The Donegal International Rally draws large crowds of more than 70,000 visitors and has seen serious incidents before, so investigators’ technical and possible criminal or coronial findings could prompt changes to stewarding, spectator controls and safety procedures.