Warning
RALLY SMASH
Horror moment Porsche ploughs into crowd injuring 3 – two years after girl, 8, was killed at same rally crossing track
Footage shows the rally car drifting round a corner before ploughing into spectators
THIS is the dramatic moment a Porsche ploughs into a group of spectators at a rally in Madeira.
An adult and two children were taken to hospital in Saturday's horror crash.
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Dramatic footage shows the car drifting recklessly round the corner.
The Porsche then spins out of control and tries to brake to avoid a group of spectators standing at the side of the road.
But the tape separating the people and the track was not enough to protect them as the car smashes into the crowds - knocking several adults and children to the ground.
A red car near the people is also wrecked in the accident before the Porsche comes to a halt.
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Miraculously no-one was killed in the smash.
But officials said afterwards that two children had been injured along with an adult.
Local unconfirmed reports said none of the victims’ injuries were life-threatening - despite the speed the car was going at and the violent impact with the spectators.
But the eldest of the two youngsters is thought to have horrifically suffered a possible broken arm and leg.
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Adults at the smash could be seen comforting children as they watched the scene unfold.
The Porsche 911 GT3 was being driven by a man named locally as Americo Gouveia.
The accident happened at the Madeira Wine Rally - the most prestigious and historic motor racing event on the Atlantic island.
Rally organisers said in a statement: “The victims were assessed at the scene before being taken to hospital, which had been put on alert to receive them as a precaution.
“As soon as we have more information it will be released.”
Two years ago a young girl was tragically killed at the 2022 race after she was reportedly struck while running to see her sister in the same rally.
Local reports said she had mistakenly believed the last vehicle had already gone by when she decided to run onto the rally circuit in Madeira, Portugal.
She was rushed to hospital following the accident but died shortly after arrival at Dr Nelio Mendonca Hospital in the island capital Funchal.
The tragedy occurred during the 63rd edition of the Madeira Wine Rally.
TV footage showed the moment the car that hit the girl came to a stop in a cloud of white smoke.
Shocked onlookers moved towards the crash scene to assist, although the images of the collision itself were pixelated.
The girl was treated by paramedics at the scene.
Witnesses said the older girl and another youngster thought to be a friend had just crossed the road without incident when the eight-year-old attempted the same crossing and was hit.
One said: “I’m sure she didn’t see the car coming. It was going very fast.”
In a statement, rally organisers said: “We regrettably confirm the youngster involved in an accident was not able to survive the injuries she suffered.
“In this painful moment we would like to send our condolences to her family and friends.”
Portugal’s president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said: “I send my condolences to the family and friends that are grieving.”
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The Madeira Wine Rally brings thousands of spectators out onto the roads to watch drivers compete through the island's hilly terrain and natural landscapes.
It is traditionally held in the late summer, in August or late July. The first edition took place in 1959.
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