Motorcyclist killed in street racing

JAKARTA (JP): A motorcyclist died in the early hours of yesterday after skidding out of control in a street race against another motorbike on Jl. M. Saidi in Petukangan Lama in South Jakarta.

The victim, identified as Erna Hermawan, 21, died instantly while his passenger Wahyudi, 21, was treated at the intensive care unit of Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital for severe head wounds.

Erna was a resident of Cipulir, and Wahyudi of Pesanggrahan, both in South Jakarta.

First Lt. Suwito of the South Jakarta traffic police said the incident happened after midnight as Erna and Wahyudi were racing along Jl. M. Saidi against another motorcyclist and his passenger.

As they went into a sharp turn, however, both motorcyclists skidded out of control causing the accident.

"Erna's competitor and his passenger were later detained at Kebayoran Lama police subprecinct for questioning. The two suffered leg and arm injuries," he said.

Erna's body was sent to the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital morgue for post mortem examination. (04)