Mishap between three go-karts cause of tragedy

The incident which claimed the lives of two family members at the Educational Innovation of Motorsports and Automotive (EIMARACE) 2016 race in Indera Mahkota here Sunday was caused by a mishap between three go-karts.

Pahang Public Order and Traffic Department chief, Supt Mohd Noor Yusof Ali, said contact between go-karts numbered 22, 27 and 33 caused number 27 to skid and crash into area where the victims were standing.

"Investigations revealed that the programme was organised by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Kuala Lumpur, with valid permit. There were 38 go-karts racing at the circuit during the incident.

"The organisers also placed barricades and warning strips on the right side of the road throughout the circuit keep spectators away from the racetrack," he told reporters here Sunday evening.

READ: Organisers saddened over go-kart race mishap

The 11.30am incident saw factory supervisor Izwan Isa, 38, killed at the scene, while his daughter Nur Zulaikha, five, died while receiving treatment at the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA) here.

Izwan's seven-year-old son Muhammad Iz Danial was also seriously injured and is being treated at HTAA, while his wife Siti Suhaiza Seman, 38, who is a teacher at SRK Indera Mahkota, only suffered minor injuries.

The victims are from Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

Mohd Noor added that the three drivers - Azril Ba'ith Razak, 25, of Melaka Multimedia University (MMU); Ahmad Saifuddin Mahamud, 23, of the Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara Wakaf Tapai, Terengganu; and Mohd Rashid Safwan Mohd Sopie, 19, a student from Muadzam Shah - were unharmed.

"The blood and urine samples of all three go-kart drivers were taken to the Chemical Department for toxicology tests," he said.

He said investigations were being carried out under Section 304 (A) of the Penal Code for causing death without intent, which provides for a maximum jail term of 30 years and a fine, if convicted. -- Bernama