Three spectators have been killed and six people injured in two separate accidents at the Jim Clark Rally in the Scottish Borders.
The event was being held at the Borders Union Showground at Springwood Park.
A statement released by police said: "Three people died this afternoon after a car collided with spectators at the Jim Clark Rally near Kelso at around 4pm.
"Three people were pronounced dead at the scene of the 4pm incident. A fourth person was taken to hospital in Edinburgh.
"In an earlier incident at 2.05pm, a rally car collided with five people. Four were treated at scene, the fifth person taken to hospital."
One spectator at the event, Tommy Tait, wrote on Facebook: "We must be like cats have nine lives never have we been so close to getting wiped out by a rally car our thoughts go out to the 4 who got hit (sic)."
Police say the two drivers involved in the accidents were not injured.
A spokesperson for NHS Borders said one patient was in a critical condition at Borders General Hospital.
Two other patients were in a stable condition, while a fourth was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
The rally course is described on the event's website as having "a reputation for being fast with big jumps, ditches and hedges to catch out the unwary".
The competition takes place over three days on roads in the Duns and Kelso areas.
The event is named after Scottish Formula One driver Jim Clark, who was raised in the area. Clark died in a motor racing accident in Hockenheim, Germany, in 1968.
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has expressed his sadness following the two accidents.
"This is desperately sad and difficult news from the Borders of the tragic circumstances that have occurred at the Jim Clark Rally," he said.
"The police have confirmed three fatalities and my thoughts are with all of those involved and the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.
"The government is in contact with Police Scotland and we await the outcome of their inquiries. The Jim Clark Rally is a long-standing event of over 40 years.
"It is much loved in the Borders and by the rally driving community who I know will share in our sadness at what is a black day for the Borders and for Scotland."
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/two-spectators-killed-scotland-rally-crash-182930469.html
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