Business back to normal in Alotau after violence

By MARJORIE FINKEO
It was business as usual in Alotau yesterday after chaotic scenes on Tuesday following a road accident in which three people were killed and two injured.
Angry relatives of the victims rampaged through town damaging properties, blocking traffic and trying to loot shops.
The vehicle which hit them was driven by a police officer who was on his way to Port Moresby with others for Apec duty.
Dead were two girls aged 5 and 8, and a mother of two.
The two injured women were in the intensive care unit at the Alotau General Hospital.
Yesterday, shops reopened, power and water supply was restored, PMVs were running normally and students resumed classes as police kept watch.
“The situation is contained with extra policemen on the ground from Port Moresby,” police commander George Bayagau said.
“People setting up roadblocks were removed by police and locals were advised not to take the law into their own hands.”
Bayagau said people planning to make a protest in the main town for justice were stopped by police because opportunists could take advantage of that.
Four people were wounded by police and taken to hospital after an exchange of gun shots.
Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Charles Abel and Milne Bay Governor Sir John Luke Crittin met family members of the victims and local leaders.
Alotau General Hospital director medical service Dr Perista Mamadi said the hospital was on emergency mode. “Priority is being given to emergency cases during this time,” he said.
“It does not stop anyone from getting treated but medical officers are payiong close attention to the victims.”