Police confirm three deaths

By GYNNIE KERO
POLICE have confirmed that three people – two female students and a man – died in a road accident on Sunday morning on Obura-Wonenara in Eastern Highlands.
Provincial police commander Supt Michael Welly said a land transport board should be set up in the province to address traffic issues such as the operations of un-roadworthy and unregistered vehicles.
He confirmed that the two students of the Aiyura National High School had caught a truck travelling to Kainantu on Sunday to go to church there.
They have been identified as Sharon Komea, 19, of Enga and Maria Martin, 18, of Jiwaka.
They were supposed to be in Grade 12 this year. The third victim was a man identified as James Musau, a village court magistrate.
Three other students were being treated for injuries at the hospital in Kainantu.
All were travelling in a truck which went off the road and tumbled thrice killing the three and injuring the others.
Supt Welly said they were looking for the driver and his assistant who fled after the accidents.
He said it was important to have land transport board.
“There must be a consultative network with key agencies and stakeholders in the province to address these traffic issues,” he said.
“Neglecting the transport sector will lead to further accidents and loss of lives.
“Many vehicles on the road are not roadworthy and police are yet to acquaint themselves with the new traffic act as most traffic cases dealt with the repealed Motor Traffic Act which are thrown out by the district court.”