KANOWIT: A 36-year-old power boat racer sustained a severe injury to his right leg during the Kanowit powerboat race here yesterday.
Kanowit OCPD Dep Supt Tega Bilong revealed that the victim was one of the 13 powerboat racers who were competing in the first leg of the 50hp category at 9.30am at the Rejang River fronting Kanowit town.
“After the powder gun was fired to start the race, all racers sped to the first buoy.
“The victim, Sarahan Juhan, was trying to avoid floating pieces of wood when his boat was rammed from behind by another boat.
“Following the collision, the victim’s right leg was broken and he was rushed to Kanowit Hospital for treatment,” he said.
The two boats were badly damaged and beyond repair.
The Sarawak Rivers Board had earlier certified that the river was safe for the race.
