Rugby fans die in crash

 By JAMES APA GUMUNO and SIMON NIANFOP

EIGHT rugby league fans died in a road accident while returning from watching the State of Origin match in Mt Hagen early yesterday morning, police said.

Others who were injured were admitted at the Mt Hagen General Hospital, according to Western Highlands provincial police commander Chief Superintendent Martin Lakari.

The exact number of passengers in the truck is yet to be determined as the accident happened at around 2am, he said.

But it is confirmed that they were all from Paia Kona in the Tambul-Nebilyer electorate, who had travelled to the city to watch the series decider which the Maroons won 52-6.

“This is another very nasty road accident in the province this year, claiming eight lives and others seriously injured,” Lakari said.

Three weeks ago, three men and a woman died in Mt Hagen after the second State of Origin match as a result of a tribal clash.

Lakari said the truck was travelling downhill when it hit the side rail, forcing it to plunge down a slope. He said two years ago, 18 people were killed in the same section of the road when the bus they were travelling in went off the road.

He urged motorists to be careful when travelling on this section of the road at night.

In another fatal road accident, one passenger died and five were seriously injured on Monday at Niuruku, Rigo district, Central.

Provincial police commander Chief Inspector Laimo Asi said the vehicle overturned at a bend.

Police are looking for the driver who fled after the accident.

The injured passengers were brought to the Port Moresby General Hospital.

Police and the National Road Safety Council are concerned about the increasing number of road accidents mostly caused by careless driving, driving while under the influence of alcohol and speeding.

Most incidents happen on the Highlands Highway and in Port Moresby.