Spectators killed at Scottish rally

Three spectators have been killed in an accident on the Jim Clark Rally in Scotland. The crash happened on the Swinton stage of the closed-road event, near Coldstream in the Scottish Borders.

A source close to the rally told AUTOSPORT three spectators are known to have died. Two more spectators have been taken from the scene by air ambulance.

The event was stopped following the crash, which happened two stages from the finish, and has now been canceled.

The Jim Clark was round two of the 2014 British Rally Championship.

The police are also investigating an earlier incident on the rally in which five spectators were injured. Four were treated at the scene of the crash, but a fifth is in a serious condition in a nearby hospital.

British motorsport's governing body, the Motor Sports Association, has issued a statement expressing its condolences and promising a comprehensive investigation into the accidents.

"The Motor Sports Association and everyone in the motorsport community is devastated by the terrible events this afternoon on the Jim Clark Rally," it said. "The families and friends of those who have lost their lives and of those who have been injured are in all our thoughts as they face such an awful situation.

"Police Scotland are now in control of all aspects of the investigations into the two accidents and both the police and hospital authorities will issue further bulletins when they can. Everyone waits anxiously for some better news of those who have been injured.

"As with any serious incident, today's accidents will also be subject to full enquiries by the MSA to ensure that any lessons are learned to assist in the constant drive to provide the highest possible safety standards at all motorsport events."