Spectator is killed and eight people are injured after rally car loses control and crashes into a crowd during a race in San Marino 

  • The Renault Clio crashed into straw bales on a corner during the race
  • A spectator died and eight were injured in the collision in San Marino
  • WARNING: Video contains scenes which some readers may find upsetting 

By Matt Hunter For Mailonline

Published: 13:47 EST, 9 October 2016 | Updated: 15:30 EST, 9 October 2016

A spectator has died and eight were injured when a rally car veered off a road during a race in San Marino.

The Renault Clio crashed into straw bales on a corner where spectators were watching the race at midday.

Shocking footage, published by Gazzetta TV, shows the car driving straight towards people enjoying the rally.  

The Renault Clio crashed into straw bales on a corner where spectators were stood watching the race

The Renault Clio crashed into straw bales on a corner where spectators were stood watching the race

Henry Anselmino, 57, from Asti, was killed instantly, the race organiser said.  

The injured spectators - one woman, seven men - were rushed to hospital. Three are in a critical condition.

Locals think the driver was unable to stop as the car's brakes had failed.  

Event organisers cancelled the event as police launched a criminal investigation into the crash. 

Driver Enrico Bonaso and navigator Alice Palazzi were inside the car when it crashed. 

San Marino's Secretary of State Teodoro Lonfernini said: 'These dramatic events are incalculable and unpredictable.'

Event organisers cancelled the event as police launched a criminal investigation into the crash

Event organisers cancelled the event as police launched a criminal investigation into the crash

The organiser, RallyLegend, said the car 'went off the road and hit some straw bales protecting a runoff path' and that the spectators affected were 'standing right behind the bales.'

A statement from race bosses read: 'One of the spectators involved died instantly.

'The other wounded, immediately helped by the ambulances and medical personnel in service on the test, were transferred to the hospital.

'For decision of the organizers and the direction of the race, the 14th rallylegend was declared cancelled. The awards have been cancelled.'    

San Marino, which is one of the world's smallest states, is in northern Italy. 

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