2 students die in mishap

By GYNNIE KERO
TWO female students died and three others were injured on their way to shopping for their school items when the truck they were travelling in went off the road.
The incident happened yesterday morning three kilometers from the Aiyura National High School in the Obura-Wonenara district of Eastern Highlands where they were going to start classes in Grade 11 and Grade 12.
Provincial police commander Michael Welly told The National that the accident happened at around 10am yesterday when the driver lost control of the vehicle.
There were passengers in the truck when the students got on at the school to go to Kainantu town for some last-minute school shopping.
“The two students died about three kilometres out of Aiyura National High School when the truck overturned and rolled over twice,” he said.
He said the girls were from Sepik (grade 12) and Wabag, Enga (grade 11).
“Three other students were also in the truck when it rolled over are being treated for their injuries at the Kainantu hospital,” he said.
Police and the truck owner are looking for the driver and his assistant. “The driver and crew fled the scene straight after the accident and have not yet been found,” he said.
“Even late this afternoon (yesterday), the owner of the truck reported to the police station that the two are still at large.”
He said police attended to the accident and towed the vehicle to the Kainantu police station.
Police are continuing their investigations.
No comment could be obtained from the school.
Education Minister Jimmy Uguro said last night it was an unfortunate incident which cost two young lives as schools prepared to start classes today for term one.
He warned parents and students to be careful about their safety at the start of the school year. Some schools started last week but the proper start of the term is today.