Baby killed in forklift brake failure accident

MADANG town authorities have been urged not to allow companies to operate machinery in residential areas after a forklift ran over and killed a two-year-old boy last Monday.
Former Madang urban local level government ward two councillor Chris Tomongo said the forklift had a brake failure and ran down a slope between the Madang Star Hotel and a residential area near the town lakes causing the accident.
He said the Kalibobo community was shocked over the tragedy and parents were concerned over their children’s safety in an area usually considered safe and peaceful.
“The two-year-old boy was seen playing with his puppy when the forklift ran over him and killed him instantly,” Tomongo said.
A police officer at the traffic office said the forklift operator was attacked by the baby’s relatives.
“The operator is fighting for his life in the hospital,” the officer said.
“The family of the kid is still mourning his death and it’s really painful for mothers here.”
Meanwhile relatives of the forklift driver and victim, a company representative that owns the forklift had met yesterday with police and mediated for compensation.