A racing event in Kotamobagu, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, ended in tragedy on Sunday after a participating vehicle reportedly lost control and crashed into spectators near the finish line, killing seven people and seriously injuring nine others.
The incident happened during the 2026 Kotamobagu Championship, where the driver was competing in the free-class category. The vehicle reportedly crossed the finish line before suddenly leaving the track and ploughing into people gathered nearby.
The race was immediately stopped following the crash, while organisers, emergency personnel and other authorities rushed to the scene to assist the victims.
The event was being held on a temporary track set up along a public road. Footage from the scene appeared to show spectators standing relatively close to the racing route, with no obvious dedicated protective barriers such as tyres or concrete blocks separating them from the track.
The exact cause of the crash has yet to be established and remains under investigation by police.
The drag racing event began on Aug 6 and attracted 337 competitors, with the final day originally scheduled for Sunday.
Following the tragedy, the organising committee said it would take responsibility for the consequences of the accident and cover the medical expenses of injured spectators who remain hospitalised.
The incident has also raised concerns over spectator safety at temporary motorsport venues, where adequate barriers and sufficient distance between racing vehicles and crowds are crucial to reducing the risk of serious accidents.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine what caused the vehicle to lose control and whether safety procedures at the event were adequate.
