A spectator at a Swedish rally event died on Saturday after being hit by a competing car, according to Svenska Dagbladet. The accident happened shortly after 2 p.m. outside Flisby, north of Nässjö in southern Sweden.
The man was watching the Novemberskölden rally, which is organised by Nässjö Motorklubb, when a car left the course and struck him. Svenska Dagbladet reports that he was seriously injured in the incident.
The club's reaction was blunt. "This must not happen," Nässjö Motorklubb said, in comments reported by Svenska Dagbladet.
Several Swedish outlets covered the accident, including Aftonbladet, which described it as a serious crash at the rally, and Corren, which reported that a spectator had been run over. Expressen quoted Tim Liljegren, who said the situation left him with "a very sad feeling." The reports did not specify his role at the event.
The exact circumstances of how the car came off the track have not been established in the reporting. No further details about the driver, the vehicle or the condition of anyone else involved were given.
Rallying in Sweden is a popular sport, with competitors racing at speed on closed roads and spectators often standing close to the route. The Novemberskölden is run by the local motoring club in Nässjö.
What to watch next: whether Swedish motorsport authorities open a formal investigation into the accident and whether the event's safety arrangements are reviewed.
