Briton dies in accident at Chinon Classic Car Rally

Her 82-year-old husband is in critical condition

A 77-year-old British woman died and her husband was seriously injured after an accident at the Chinon vintage car rally on Saturday (22 June).

The incident occurred around midday near Orches (Vienne), when two cars collided at high speed.

The unnamed woman’s husband – an 82-year-old British citizen – took part in the rally. The other car was not part of the rally.

Skid marks were found on the road near the scene of the accident and one of the vehicles involved was destroyed. The Mazda MX-5 that the Briton was driving was registered to a British address.

The couple was taken to hospital after the emergency services arrived. The 77-year-old woman had already suffered a severe heart attack before arriving at the hospital and was pronounced dead on Saturday evening.

Her husband’s condition remains life-threatening despite lung and chest surgery on Saturday.

The two occupants of the other vehicle were also injured, but their lives are reportedly not in danger.

Her vehicle – an Audi A3 – was discovered by rescue workers lying on its roof at the side of the road – you can see a photo of it in the local media. The New Republic.

The couple often visited

The unnamed British couple are said to have regularly taken part in the Chinon Rally, in which classic car owners drive through the French countryside.

“(The couple) are regulars at our event. They have been coming to our rally every year for four or five years,” said rally president Michel Loraille.

About a third of all those attending the rally were British, he added.