The incident took place at Trentagh, near Kilmacrennan, during the 12th stage of what was planned as a three-day event. Emergency services were called just before 5pm yesterday after a competing vehicle collided with a group of bystanders. The boy, described as being in his mid-teens, was taken by ambulance to Letterkenny University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Two other spectators sustained injuries and remain in hospital.
In light of the tragedy, all remaining stages of the rally have been cancelled as a mark of respect.
The Donegal International Rally is the largest motorsport event on the island of Ireland, with over 100,000 spectators expected across the weekend and more than 200 vehicles entered. This is the first spectator fatality at the event since 2012.
An Garda Síochána have confirmed they are investigating the incident. Both the Gardaí and Motorsport Ireland have urged the public not to share footage of the crash that has been circulating online, asking that the privacy and dignity of the victim's family and friends be respected.
