Two siblings are dead after a shocking crash during a car race. The competition was taking place on the French island of La Réunion in the Indian Ocean. As the crowd watched the race, one of the cars veered wildly off track, careening into the crowd. It is still unknown what happened to the car to cause it to fly off the track, but an investigation has been launched with possible criminal charges to come.
The incident took place during the Rallye de Saint-Joseph on October 26, 2025, Le Monde and Nice-Matin reported, citing Agence France-Presse. At first, Olivier Clémençon, public prosecutor of Saint-Pierre, told the media that only the 9-year-old girl had died. Her brother was likely in critical condition at the time of the announcement.
“Unfortunately, the second child, aged 12, whose sister died, also succumbed to his injuries,” he later said.
The accident happened in the middle of the day. Many of the residents of the area had gathered to watch the popular rally, not expecting the tragic car crash. According to a news release, the public was prohibited from the area but congregated there to watch nonetheless.
“A car came off the road and hit the group on the side of the road,” a father who chose to remain anonymous told AFP via Le Monde. “Everyone panicked, people were screaming, children were injured. It was horrible.”
Two other children, 6 and 7 years old, also were injured, one of them critically. Additionally, a 35-year-old man was hurt in the accident.
By day’s end, the pilot and copilot of the car were questioned by police. They underwent drug and alcohol testing, but the tests came back negative. According to the prosecutor, an investigation for manslaughter has been opened.
Racing team l’effet Meddy addressed the tragic incident on its Facebook page. “Today our passion has been turned over by drama. During the rally race, a terrible accident occurred, leaving a deep sadness in our hearts,” the post read. “Our thoughts are first and foremost with the bereaved family, their loved ones and we send them all our support, compassion and affection at this difficult ordeal.”
Autorun.re, an organization that tracks racing in the area, also offered condolences in an Instagram post.
“Our deepest thoughts go out to the victims, their families and all those affected by this tragic accident,” the post read. “What was supposed to be a beautiful conclusion to a weekend of passion and sport turned into a moment of deep pain for the entire rally community, at La Reunion. We share the pain of those who are mourning the loss of loved ones today, and we would like to express our full support to the bereaved families, relatives, and all the volunteers and rescue mobilized on site.”
