Spectators injured in UK rally crash

A rally car which left a track and careered into a crowd of spectators, injuring four people, had the potential to cause more widespread harm, ambulance chiefs said.

A father and his two sons were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life threatening, while a fourth person was treated at the scene.

The incident happened just before midday at the Royal Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallet, Somerset.

The one-day Regency Stages Rally, featuring 55 miles of Tarmac rallying across 10 stages, was being held at the venue.

A South Western Ambulance Service Trust spokeswoman said the two boys sustained injuries to their legs which were not thought to be serious.

Their father was airlifted to the Bath Royal United Hospital along with them. The spokeswoman said: “Our officer at the scene said this had the potential to be much more serious than fortunately it turned out to be.”

According to local reports, the accident happened when a car failed to make a bend, crashing into a crowd watching in a cordoned off spectator area.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said the condition of the rally driver involved in the crash is unknown.

“There is a joint investigation involving the police and the Health and Safety Executive into the incident,” he said.

The event is organised by the Weston-super-Mare Motor Club, which was unavailable for comment about the crash.