Kotamobagu. At least six people were feared dead after a car participating in a drag racing event veered off the track and crashed into spectators in Kotamobagu, North Sulawesi, on Sunday, according to preliminary accounts from local residents.

The accident occurred when one of the competing cars reportedly lost control at high speed near the end of the track and struck spectators gathered around the finish-line area.

Several other people were reportedly injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

Authorities had yet to officially confirm the number of fatalities and injuries as of Sunday, and details surrounding the cause of the accident remained unclear.

The event, which featured both car and motorcycle drag racing, was organized by Muda Charaka and Tidar. Neither the organizers nor relevant authorities had issued an official statement on the casualties at the time of reporting.

The competition was immediately suspended following the crash as emergency personnel and other officials evacuated the victims and responded to the scene.

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