Police to investigate cause of death

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POLICE have started investigations into two deaths in Kokopo during the 41st Independence anniversary  weekend.
Acting East New Britain police commander Senior Insp Joseph Tabali said yesterday that the deaths of two locals in their line of work had raised safety concerns in the province.
He said the victims from Karavi and Bitapaka areas of Kokopo district were working for China Jingshu International on a city sewerage project when they were killed.
He said the victims, ages 26 and 27, were in a trench preparing to install pipes when it collapsed on them.
He said the incident happened last Saturday between 2pm and 5pm.
According to witnesses, the trench was deep.
Tabali said the bodies were dug out late in the afternoon and taken to Vunapope Saint Mary’s Hospital.
He said executive representatives from the company’s head office in the National Capital district flew into Kokopo immediately after the accident and visited the families of the victims.
Tabali said the company had assured the family that it would meet all funeral and burial expenses of the victims.
He added that the company had also paid tribute to the victims by halting operations since the accident.
Tabali said police had done a great job in ensuring there was no retaliation.
He said the investigation started and a report would be submitted to relevant authorities to address certain issues.