Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill has expressed his gratitude to the aircrew of P2-PXE, and local Micronesians who came to the rescue of passengers, for their quick response in the evacuation.
The Prime Minister made the comments after aircraft P2-PXE ‘landed short’ yesterday in the Federated States of Micronesia, and warned people on social media to be vigilant
against rumors and fake news.
“Any aircraft crash in any part of the world is alarming, and ultimate concern above property is the safety of human lives,” the Prime Minister said.
“I commend the crew of P2-PXE for their swift action to evacuate passengers.
“I especially thank the people of Micronesia who were very quick to move in with boats to the aircraft and assist passengers as they evacuated.
“Micronesian safety and security services were also swiftly on the scene, and passengers were quickly assessed and attend to at the hospital.
“We thank our Micronesian Brothers and Sisters for their response and care following this accident.
“The health of passengers is being monitored and arrangements for temporary accommodation is being arranged, and soon travel will be facilitated to their chosen
ports.”
PM O’Neill said the initial concern for the Government and the airline is the safety and wellbeing of passengers, and people should be wary of misinformation.
“Now is not the time for speculation or rumor, let’s wait for the facts and further information from the airline.
“Air accident investigators will be undertaking a thorough examination of the incident and the causes being identified.
“I call for people to be careful with what they re-post online.”
