Boiler blast kills three

 THREE people died while six locals and an expatriate are recovering in hospital from injuries when a boiler exploded at the Panakawa Timber and Plywood Mill in Middle Fly, Western.

Police provincial commander Insp Silva Sika said one of the workers died instantly while two others, who were rushed to the Kamusi Health Centre about 50km, away died on arrival.

The incident happened at around 1.30pm.

Sika said police officers from Port Moresby would be sent to the mill to investigate the incident. 

He said 12 police officers from Balimo and the district headquarters would be sent there today to assess the situation.

“Police will be able to provide security for the workers and the properties of the camp once they arrive at site for their investigations,” he said.

Director of the Pacific International Hospital Dr Paul Alexander said the injured had already arrived and were in stable conditions. 

“Seven patients – six locals and one expatriate – arrived at the hospital on Wednesday evening,” he said.

“Because of the severity of burns, they will be monitored for reassessment on a daily basis until they fully recover.

“We will try to give the best possible care we can.”

Hans Kavake, an employee at the mill, said the explosion forced hot water into the air, covering a radius of about 15 metres.

“People working at the boiler room and those within the vicinity had only about five seconds to escape the hot water,” he said.

“Most ran away to the nearest river and jumped in while others ran into the bush.

“Two died on the way to Kamusi and we left them with villagers so that they could be transported back to the mill.”