DAVAO CITY (June 19) — A motocross rider was killed while several others were wounded when an curve execution turned deadly during the race last Saturday, June 16, in Carmen Davao del Norte.
The incident, prompted Police Regional Director Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan to order relevant government agencies to review laws and policies on the conduct of motocross race in unauthorized or unregulated racetracks, following Saturday’s incident in Carmen, Davao del Norte that killed a bike rider and injured spectators.
Gaerlan said there should be a review of the laws and policies governing motocross competition to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Gaerlan said the Highway Patrol Group 11, in coordination with the Police Provincial Offices and City Police Office, should check the permits of any group organizing motocross race to ensure that safety measures are in place.
On Saturday, racer Tirso Casuga, 26, died while seven others were injured during the motocross competition at the Carmen National High School grounds in Brgy. Ising, Carmen, Davao del Norte.
The motocross event was part of the activities for the 50th town anniversary of Carmen town.
Reports revealed, Rider Dimaano was running at a high speed and upon reaching a curve portion of the race track, accidentally swerved and got thrown directly at the crowd, resulting to physical injuries and fatal wounds to Casuga and several spectators. The wounded victims were brought to Carmen District Hospital.
Casuga was rushed to Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City but was declared dead on arrival.
Gaerlan said organizers will be held responsible for the racer’s death and the injuries suffered by the spectators.
Octavio Valle, municipal administrator of Carmen told Newsline.ph “The motocross even was organized by private group, we just provide the venue and the prize because it was adopted as part of our municipal activities, but all the technical aspects of the event was under the control of the organizer.”
Valle revealed, the barrier near the curve “So when the incident happened many onlookers were wounded.”
The municipal government provided financial support to the victims, Valle added.-Editha Z. Caduaya/NewsLine.ph
