Waterford rally driver Breen in high-speed crash that killed navigator

Waterford rally driver Craig Breen has been involved in a high-speed crash during a rally in Italy, in which his navigator and Welsh rally driver Gareth Roberts was killed.

Medical crews attended the scene at the Targa Florio-Rally in Sicily, but were unable to revive Mr Roberts.

It is understood Mr Breen was airlifted to hospital but is not seriously injured.

The remainder of the event has been cancelled as a mark of respect.

Roberts and Breen were taking part in the second stage of the rally when their Peugeot 207 went off the road about five miles from the start of the Cefalu leg. A guard rail entered the car on the right side, where Roberts was seated.

Targa Florio said on its website that nearby emergency crews responded immediately but that Roberts died instantly. Breen was unhurt.

Organisers immediately ended the rally, which was in its 96th edition. The 106-mile Targa Florio this year became part of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, taking the place of Hungary’s Mecsek Rally.