It has now emerged that two crashes happened at the rally today, leaving three dead and six injured.
The crashes at the Jim Clark Rally happened within hours of each other.
Police said the most serious crash took place at about 4pm when a rally car came off the road near Kelso, hitting spectators.
Three were pronounced dead at the scene and a fourth is in a critical condition in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
Two hours earlier, a rally car hit five people.
Four were treated at the scene and another is in a serious condition in hospital.
Police Scotland said the the rally was cancelled after the fatal crash.
http://youtu.be/gkaP_f3bvf0
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has now released a statement on the crash at the Jim Clark Rally today.
He said: “This is desperately sad and difficult news from the Borders of the tragic circumstances that have occurred at the Jim Clark Rally.
“The police have confirmed three fatalities and my thoughts are with all of those involved and the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.
"The Government is in contact with Police Scotland and we await the outcome of their inquiries.
“The Jim Clark Rally is a longstanding event of over 40 years.
"It is much loved in the Borders and by the rally driving community who I know will share in our sadness at what is a black day for the Borders and for Scotland.”
A window on the car has been smashed and parts of the bodywork are bent out of shape.
It looks as though the road the vehicle was travelling along was extremely narrow.
I can see this being bad for this 40 year sport :( I mean that with the upmost respect of the families and friends of the deceased. I think it's only hope now is the families to come out and say they died being at a sport they loved and the rules should not be changed. People just need to take responsibilities of their own action. But with my early Insurance issue this week I can see some people wanting a massive pay out :(