Reveller dies in Christmas crash

By ZACHERY PER

A FATAL traffic accident in the early hours of Christmas Day in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, has taken the life of a young man.

Eastern Highlands provincial police commander Augustine Wampe confirmed the accident, describing it as a “disastrous Christmas for Goroka”.

He said it had been reported that young men celebrating Christmas by going on a drinking spree and driving towards the old Paragon camp in the southern fringe of Goroka town were involved in the accident.

Eyewitnesses at the accident scene, at the Faniufa Mendikwae camp gate section of the Highlands Highway, said the victims had travelled towards the town at high speed in a To­yota Hiace bus.

They said a heavy truck heading towards Lae saw the bus coming at high speed and gave way, but the bus ran straight into it. The bus was a write-off.

Wampe said one of his policemen, who was one of the victims, was critically injured and was in hospital with the other passenger while another lost his life.

The identities of the injured and deceased were not released.

Apart from the accident, Christmas celebrations in Goroka and parts of Eastern Highlands were reportedly quiet.

Wampe praised community and church leaders for helping police to maintain peace and order in the province.

“I expect the same peaceful atmosphere in the New Year.

“If any criminal elements want to disrupt the peace of the festive season, they will be dealt with by police who are still on special operations,” he said.