Cop charged over fatal accident

A POLICEMAN has been arrested and charged with causing a fatal vehicle accident that claimed the life of a woman in Jiwaka on Jan 9, Highlands Eastern End Assistant Commissioner Rigga Neggi says.
“The policeman, attached with the Minj police station, was charged with dangerous driving causing two deaths and one dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm,” he said.
“He is now in custody awaiting appearance before a Committal Court in Mt Hagen.”
Police alleged that there was a traffic accident involving two vehicles along the Minj road on Jan 9, where a Toyota LandCruiser 10-seater and another vehicle, a Toyota LandCruiser four-doors collided at high speed, with the drivers allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
“A woman passenger, travelling in the vehicle driven by the off-duty policeman, died from injuries,” Neggi said.
“Other passengers in both vehicles also sustained serious injuries.
“The other driver is believed to be a young engineer from Barola in the Eastern Highlands.
“His body was found on the Waghi bridge and his relatives alleged that the off-duty policeman was responsible for his death.
“The relatives have set up roadblocks on the Barola mountain targeting people from Jiwaka and Western Highlands and harassing the travelling public on the highway.”
Neggi said the death of the engineer was now being investigated by an independent investigation team from Western Highlands and Chimbu.
He appealed to the engineer’s relatives to allow the law to take its course.
Neggi also appealed to the public for information on the incidents.