Drag Racing Accident in Indonesia Kills 8, Injures 9 After Car Ploughs into Spectators

A drag racing tournament in Kotamobagu, North Sulawesi, ended in tragedy when a participating car veered off course and struck spectators, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The Tidar Drag Race Championship 2026 has been marred by this devastating incident.

According to AKP Joko Setiyono, acting head of public relations for the Kotamobagu Police, a total of 17 people were affected, with 8 confirmed dead and 9 sustaining injuries requiring medical attention. The fatal accident took place on Sunday afternoon along Jalan AP Mokoginta in East Kotamobagu.

The incident occurred as a dragster identified as Tian Ngantung, representing Team Mc Joe, was preparing for a race in the FFA (Free For All) category. As the car approached the finish line, it reportedly experienced a malfunction, causing it to swerve left.

The out-of-control vehicle collided with the safety barrier along the left side of the track before crashing into the crowd gathered behind it. The victims were subsequently transported to Monompia Hospital and the Kotamobagu Regional General Hospital in Pobundayan for treatment.