11 killed in Sepik PMV accident

 By ROSELYN ELLISON

ELEVEN people died during a road accident in Wewak last Friday, according to an official of the Boram General Hospital in East Sepik.

Dr Thomas Kubu, officer in charge at the hospital’s accident and emergency unit, said it was one of the worst accidents in the province.

Kubu said nine people died instantly at the scene, while one died two hours later on arrival at the hospital. 

A female passenger died on Saturday.

He said the 11 had sustained severe head injuries. 

The PMV truck was carrying more than 30 passengers while travelling to Wewak from Maprik at around 7am on Friday. 

The accident happened at Kreer Heights.

Maprik MP John Simon said it was shocking and one of the worst in the district.

“I feel so much for the relatives of those who have lost their love ones and this is very sad moment for us the people of Maprik,” Simon said. 

He said the people involved in the accident were not only from Maprik but from other districts like Wosera-Gawi and Yangoru-Saussia.

He will try to assist relatives transport their bodies to their villages.

He said PMV operators should ensure their vehicles were in good condition and safe to transport people.

“To avoid such an accident in the future it is very important that cars must be fully serviced,” Simon said.   

Simon urged relatives not to set up roadblocks because others wanted to visit those admitted at the hospital.

“I appeal to the relatives of the ones involved in the accident not to take the law into their hands,” he said.