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Brands Hatch: Marshal dies in serious crash

A volunteer motorsport marshal has died after a serious crash at Brands Hatch that saw a car flip off the circuit.

Police and ambulances were called to at the scene at the world-famous race track near Dartford, along with the air ambulance.

An air ambulance lands at Brand Hatch. Video: Neil Mullings

Police say they were called shortly before 3pm "following a collision involving a car and two people on foot".

A spokesman added: "Officers attended and carried out enquiries at the scene. No suspicious circumstances have been reported."

No information has been released about the driver, or the other person involved.

The British Automobile Racing Club (BARC), which organised today's event, has this evening been confirmed a marshal tragically died.

It said: "The British Automobile Racing Club is saddened to confirm that as a result of an accident that occurred during a race meeting at Brands Hatch circuit today, a volunteer marshal tragically lost their life.

"The rest of the day’s racing activity was cancelled.

The air ambulance at the scene of the crash at Brands Hatch. Picture: @FlooringKimpton/Twitter
The air ambulance at the scene of the crash at Brands Hatch. Picture: @FlooringKimpton/Twitter

"As with any major incident, the BARC is now working with the national governing body, Motorsport UK, and the local police.

"On behalf of everyone connected with the BARC, we are devastated by loss of one of the amazing volunteer marshal community who do so much to enable the sport to take place.

"Our thoughts and best wishes are with the family and friends of all those involved.

"It is anticipated that the event will resume on Sunday."

The air ambulance at the scene of the crash at Brands Hatch. Picture: @FlooringKimpton/Twitter
The air ambulance at the scene of the crash at Brands Hatch. Picture: @FlooringKimpton/Twitter

A spokesman for Motorsport UK said the governing body is "deeply saddened" by today's fatal accident.

They said: "The race meeting was immediately suspended and Motorsport UK, together with the event organiser, has begun a full investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

"The thoughts of everyone at Motorsport UK are with the marshal’s family, the organisers of the event, and other members of the motorsport community who were present."

A Ford Escort is believed to have left the track and flipped into a section of fencing on the approach to Paddock Hill bend.

Motorsport fans have tonight taken to social media to pay their respects, and share their shock at the tragic news.

One user called @SR_Chep wrote on Twitter: "Racing doesn't happen without Marshals volunteering to keep drivers and the public safe. Tragically, a Marshal lost their life today doing what they loved. Motorsport fans world-wide will pay their respects tonight. RIP."

Katherine Runciman said: "Our hearts and love go to all the marshals who were there, the medical responders and their friends and family. Incredibly sad."

Angelo Joseph added: "Marshals make racing possible. This is such sad news."

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Brands Hatch
Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Brands Hatch

Fans have also urged people not to share footage of the crash, out of respect for those involved and for their loved ones.

Today's incident comes six days after British Superbike rider Brad Jones was placed in an induced coma following a crash at Brands Hatch.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford

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