Three die in highway crash

 By SHEILA MALKEN

THREE people are dead and one is admitted at hospital with serious injuries after their vehicle went off the road along the Hiritano Highway last Thursday.

Police have again warned motorists to avoid speeding and driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Central provincial police commander Chief Inspector Laimo Asi said the accident at Vanapa in Kairuku-Hiri district resulted in the death of two men and a woman. The second woman was admitted at the St John’s Hospital in Gerehu.

“It crashed into a culvert beside the road. Two bodies were thrown out of the car by the impact. The body of a woman was found hanging out of the back seat window of the car,” Asi said.

The two bodies thrown out of the vehicle were retrieved by villagers from nearby bushes. 

Police believe that the two men and two women were from Southern Highlands but living in Morata, Port Moresby.

“I discourage people from drinking and driving along the highways. People who think of celebrating and drinking alcohol should do it in their homes instead of the roads or highways,” he said. 

National Capital District-Central police commander Jerry Frank said the condition of the roads on the highways was good and there should be no excuse for accidents.

“Don’t indulge yourself with liquor,” Frank said.

“All drivers, including PMV drivers, should have that at the back of your minds that life is paramount.”