Enga Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendant Fred Yakasa confirmed a tragic vehicle accident involving a government vehicle belonging to the Enga Provincial Health Authority last week.
He confirmed that the accident occurred on Monday night at Paiakona along the Highlands Highway in the Tambul-Nebliyer District of the Western Highlands Province resulting in the death of a local businessman, whilst other casualties sustained major injuries.
“The deceased and other casualties were transported to Hagen General Hospital by the bystanders – immediate relatives of the deceased,” CSP Yakasa said.
He added that another vehicle belonging to the Enga Provincial Government was impounded by the relatives of the deceased as intelligence efforts are closing in on the location of the impounded vehicle at the moment.
The police chief mentioned that the relatives have demanded the following:
- Enga PHA to meet the funeral expenses as the deceased body is currently at Mt Hagen Gen Hospital Morgue Layout.
- 7 days notice for Enga PHA to address and initiate customary obligation – Bel Kol.
- Driver of the Enga PHA vehicle involved in the accident must be formally arrested and cleared following due procedures while the investigation is underway.
CSP Yakasa said that host Government Security Forces (HGSF) from WHP and Enga have cleared the roadblock and have addressed the locals/relatives of the deceased.
He said that police in Enga and Western Highlands will coordinate security efforts to stabilize the situation and retrieve the impounded vehicle, with necessary support will be provided by all available HGSFs.
Furthermore, EPHA will initiate possible approaches to address the demands by the relatives of the deceased with the Enga Peace Committee taking the lead role in addressing the situation with the local leaders of Paiakona and the surrounding officers along the main Western Highlands and Enga Section of the Highlands Highway.
