A Honda Jazz, driven by racer Tian Ngantung of the Pangeran 05 McJoe team, unexpectedly veered off the track after crossing the finish line at the Kotamobagu 2026 race in Kotamobagu City, Sulawesi island, Indonesia, on 9/8.

The race car crashed at high speed into a crowd of spectators standing in the area beyond the finish line. North Sulawesi police chief, Roycke Harry Langie, announced on 10/8, "Eight people died, 8 people are receiving intensive care, and one person sustained minor injuries."

Langie stated that police have interviewed several witnesses, including racer Ngantung, to determine the cause of the incident. The reason for the car losing control and crashing into the spectators is currently unknown.

Scene of the race car losing control during the race in Kotamobagu City, Sulawesi island, Indonesia, on 9/8. *Photo: Jakarta Globe*.

Lucky Sugeha, head of the Kotamobagu 2026 race championship organizing committee, stated that the organizers would take responsibility for the accident's consequences and cover medical expenses for those hospitalized.

"I am currently at the hospital. We are ready to take responsibility for the victims," Lucky said.

AFP notes that fatal traffic accidents frequently occur in Indonesia, this Southeast Asian nation of 280 million people, as traffic laws are often disregarded and vehicles are poorly maintained.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Jakarta Globe)