Girl, six, dies in horror speedboat on beach
- The girl was playing on the beach while the islanders held a speedboat drag race
- The winner of the race lost control and fired into the land, hitting the six-year-old girl
a A six-year-old girl has died on a Philippine beach in a tragic speedboat racing accident after the driver lost control and ended up in the sand.
Sciamira Ziah Banquil played along the coast while local villagers held a speedboat drag race at Paliton Beach on Siquijor Island on Sunday, May 21.
As the speedboats circled back to the beach, the race winner lost control and fired onto land, running over the youngster and hitting spectator Alixa Buhian, 24, who suffered a head wound.
The surrounding water was tinged red with blood after the accident. Horrifying footage showed the aftermath as locals cared for the victims.
Sciamira and Alixa were rushed to a hospital. However, the child was pronounced dead on arrival due to her serious injuries.
Sciamira Ziah Banquil, 6, was playing along the coast when the driver lost control and fired into the sand
Local residents stand in shock at the damage after the boat shot onto land, ran over the youngster and hit another onlooker who suffered a head wound
San Juan police have now detained boat driver James Sumalpong, who has refused to give a statement.
Sciamira’s devastated father Joe Pro Banquil said, “The driver suddenly accelerated as he approached the coast.
“It went so fast I couldn’t run to my daughter in time.”
The six-year-old’s nephew, Jerby Factularin, said: ‘The family is heartbroken. Everyone loved Sciamira so much. Now we want justice for her.’
San Juan Police Detective Chief Sergeant Carry Grencio said: “Based on our investigation, the driver hit the victims while they were on shore after his engine failed.
“They were rushed to Siquijor Provincial Hospital, but the girl was pronounced dead on arrival. The organizers had a permit to hold the boat race.’
San Juan police officers have now apprehended boat driver James Sumalpong after the boat shot onto land, killing the six-year-old
The boat damage is shown after the incident where the race winner lost control and shot onto land
People on the beach huddle together on Paliton Beach after the devastating incident that killed the six-year-old
Sciamira’s (pictured) devastated father Joe Pro Banquil said: ‘It happened so fast I couldn’t run to my daughter in time’
The six-year-old’s nephew, Jerby Factularin, said: ‘The family is heartbroken. Everyone loved Sciamira so much. Now we want justice for her.’ Pictured: Sciamira (center) with family
In a statement, boat race organizer Bancarera Philippines said: ‘Bancarera Philippines wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the unfortunate accident during the race held on May 21, 2023 at Paliton Beach, San Juan, Siquijor. join your grief.
“In the same vein, we implore race organizers, team managers, crews and most importantly riders to learn from this tragic incident and review, review and implement all safety protocols to prevent a recurrence in the future and ensure the safety of all.”
Philippine authorities said Sumalpong is charged with reckless carelessness leading to murder. He was taken into custody at the San Juan Police Department.