A drag car race in Kotamobagu, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on August 9, 2026, ended in tragedy when a car lost control after crossing the finish line and crashed into spectators near the finish area [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The accident caused between 7 and 8 deaths and at least 9 serious injuries, according to multiple sources [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. North Sulawesi police chief Roycke Harry Langie stated, “Eight people have died, eight are in intensive care, and one person sustained minor injuries” [3]. Other reports put the death toll at 7, reflecting slight differences in counts across authorities [1, 2, 5] or [3, 4, 6]. The number of seriously injured also varies, with some sources citing 9 people seriously hurt [1, 2, 4, 5, 6] while police mentioned 8 in intensive care and one minor injury [3].
The race was held on a temporary track laid out on a public road with minimal safety barriers separating the track from the spectators [1, 2, 5, 6]. Approximately 337 cars were registered to participate in the event [4, 6]. The car involved was reportedly a Honda Jazz modified for racing, driven by Tian Ngantung [5]. After losing control near the finish line, the vehicle plowed into the crowd creating the casualties [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
The driver was taken into police custody as authorities launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash and assign responsibility [3, 4, 5, 6]. The race was immediately halted following the accident, and rescue operations were carried out to assist victims [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
The race organizer committee chairman Lucky Sugeha pledged to take full responsibility for the accident’s consequences and promised to cover all medical costs for the hospitalized injured [1, 2, 5].
Officials continue investigations amid ongoing rescue efforts. The exact cause and contributing factors are yet to be determined as authorities gather evidence and interview witnesses [3, 4, 5, 6].
