Fire victim to be treated in Moresby

A CHILD, who was a victim of a fire on Tuesday in East New Britain, will be airlifted to Port Moresby for further treatment, according to the National Airports Corporation (NAC).
Seven members of the same family were burnt to death after a fire razed their home at the NAC Compound in Tokua, Kokopo.
The father of the family and two daughters survived the incident.
In a statement yesterday, NAC chairman Reuben Aila said relatives of the family had been contacted.
“The National Airports Corporation is still saddened by the tragic events at Tokua Airport on Tuesday.
“NAC, as an airport operator has emergency response plans and compliance requirements already in place that are being followed,” Aila said.
“The emergency plan is fully operational as of the early hours of Tuesday morning. An emergency operation centre has been established at Port Moresby International Airport.
“A first response team led by the MD and CEO of NAC was sent to Tokua on Tuesday morning, followed up later in the day by relief personnel to assist normal operations.
“A number of personnel on site have been relieved of their duties due to the traumatic experience. NAC has organised in consultation with the ENB Provincial Disaster Authority for post-traumatic counselling of all staff and families affected.”
Meanwhile, PNG Fire Services chief officer Bill Roo said two of his officers left Port Moresby for East New Britain yesterday to investigate the cause of the fire.