Two spectators died in central France on Saturday after being hit by a car that veered off the road during an auto rally, authorities said.

A third person also watching the race near the town of Ambert in the Puy-de-Dome department was seriously injured and taken to hospital, the prefecture said.

Several people present at the time of the accident were in shock and received assistance, a local official told AFP.

The accident occurred around 10 am (0800 GMT). The prefect, the top local official, of Puy-de-Dome was on his way to the scene, his office said. (AFP)