Several spectators injured during car race in Cagayan

Friends Jaykim, Rodel, at Jomar recently got together as Barangay San Jose in Baggao, Cagayan, prepared for a festive activity.

According to “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” the high-adrenaline event turned out to be drag racing. The spectators’ celebratory mood, however, turned grim as the day took a sudden turn.

“Noong pumunta kami, namasyal lang. Sinabi nila na may magaganap parang drag race po,” said Jaykim.

[We went there just to stroll around. They said there will be a drag racing event.]

While they were taking videos, they weren’t expecting to see one of the cars rushing in their direction.

They ran for their lives, but the gray car proved faster and the impact hurled them onto the street.

“Napa-tumbling ako. Bumagsak ako sa semento,” said Jaykim.

[I tumbled and fell on the concrete.]

Policemen and an ambulance immediately arrived at the scene and rushed them to a hospital.

The three friends, who were from nearby Barangay Asassi, survived the accident, but they were badly injured.

“Medyo masakit-sakit ’yung katawan ko, lalo ito kapag lumalakad ako,” said Jaykim.

[My body hurts especially when I walk.]

“Pasalamat po kami dahil hindi po napuruhan talaga ’yung kapatid ko na nasalba po siya ng Panginoon,” said his sister.

[We’re just thankful that the Lord saved him.]

“Nakakagalaw naman po ako pero masakit,” said Rodel, who also had wounds on his elbows and feet.

[I can move but it’s painful.]

The three friends had been treating the pain and their wounds with medicines, which they got from the driver, who had since stopped communicating with them.

KMJS reached out to the victims and helped them by finding the driver who hit them.

Renato, the driver, admitted that he wasn’t able to hit the brakes in time.

“’Yung pagkaka-preno ko po noon malayo na po ’yun pero umabot na po ako sa gilid ng kalsada. Eh may mga buhangin doon sa may gilid ng kalsada kaya ’yung gulong ko nag-skid. Biglang dumulas kaya napunta doon sa gilid,” he said.

“Nakuha lang po kasi sa mga kantiyaw kaya nakakuha ng pagkahamon kaya ganoon,” he added.

“Sa mga naaksidente po na nadamay humihingi po ako ng paumanhin at pasensya kasi hindi naman po sadya, aksidente lang naman po.”

[I was still far from them when I hit the brakes, but there was sand in the area so my wheels skidded. I got carried away by a challenge. I apologize to those who got hurt in the accident.]

KMJS also helped the victims get a medical consultation and set a meeting with the drag racing driver.

“Hindi na lang namin palalakihin,” said Vilma. “Hihingi na lang po kami ng kaunting tulong sa kanya ng mga parang gamot ng mga bata.”

[We’re not going to make a big issue out of this. All we’re asking for is some help for the kids’ treatment.]

Meanwhile, the event organizer and municipal authorities said the event was not sanctioned.

Jay R, the organizer, said they asked for a permit, but it was not approved. He also said their group helped the victims until they got home and promised to give them cash assistance as well.

The municipal officials, meanwhile, said there was an ordinance prohibiting such events. – RC, GMA News