An eight-year-old boy was killed after he was hit by a racing motorbike during a motocross event in Antequera on the day of the town’s fiesta on Sunday.

The victim, a native of Ubay, hit his head on a rock after he was accidentally rammed by a motorbike driven by Jay Jabonete, a 30-year-old seaman from San Isidro, who lost control of his vehicle while competing, said Senior Master Sgt. Gaudencio Arancana of the Antequera Police Station.

“Na-igo gamay ang manibela niya [Jabonete] sa gasunod niya mao tong natumba, ni-slide og mga seven meters unya didto na-igo sa bata,” he said.

The boy was with his father as they sold snacks and water during the event some 10 meters away from the track.

According to Arancana, there were no safety railings or barriers around the course.

“Naay ali pero pisi ra. Unya crowded kaayo, kinadaghanang taw,” said Arancana.

The victim was rushed to the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City but was declared dead on arrival.

The contest was momentarily stopped during the incident but resumed after the boy was taken to the hospital.

Arancana said that Jabonete was placed under police custody on Sunday night but was released on the next day after he reached an amicable settlement with the victim’s family.

He agreed to pay for the burial and other financial needs of the family in relation to the accident.

Meanwhile, the Antequera local government unit which organized the event also extended financial aid to the boy’s family. (A. Doydora)