3 killed, 20 injured in bus crash

THREE people were killed and more than 20 others injured after a 30-seater bus plunged into a ravine in Western Highlands’ Paiakona yesterday.
The bus was heading to Mt Hagen from Tambul when the crash occurred at 8am.
According to locals, the bus was travelling downhill when it crashed into the bush ravine.
Western Highlands police commander Jacob Kamiak said policemen were still conducting investigations at the accident scene.
“I can only confirm that the fatal accident occurred and I’m waiting for the full report from investigators,” he said.
Former Mt Giluwe local level government president and Paiakona community leader Koim Topela said the bus owner was from Western Highlands’ Tambul.
“Paiakona is a ‘death trap’ because it normally claims multiple lives in a single accident,” he said.
“In the past, many lives were lost at Paiakona and that is where drivers need to take extra care when manoeuvring along that stretch of road.
“The road may look good and tempting but drivers should be responsible and practise safe driving.”
Topela said many families had been affected by accidents at Paiakona and drivers had been warned constantly to take precautions when driving along that section of the highway leading to Enga.
“Road accidents can happen to anyone and drivers have to avoid such accidents.”
Topela said the accident took place at Andapuk village.
Western Highlands health authority acting chief executive officer Jane Holden confirmed the accident. Holden said apart from the deaths, five people were admitted and more than 20 given emergency treatment.