By Theckla Gunga – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The Nine Mile Community outside Port Moresby have burnt down a PMV Bus after it ran over a student this morning. Bystanders said the student was on his way to school when he was hit by the bus.
The diver of the PMV was badly assaulted by the public and handed over to police. While the student was taken to the hospital.
The incident occurred this morning, between 6:30 and 7 O’clock. Witnesses told EMTV News the PMV Bus was transporting students from to a Secondary School at 14 Mile.
Maxiie Kanea, a professional boxer, was on that bus. Kanea said the bus went around the Nine Mile Roundabout and instead of taking a right turn to head to the school, it took a left turn and hit the student.
David Karuma is a witness. He said after the bus hit the student, it travelled for some more metres before running into two other sedans which, were parked on the side of the road. After it came to a stop, the driver was assaulted and bus set on fire.
Because of this incident, Nine Mile residents have raised concerns about the lack of proper bus stops.
In 2014, when this road was constructed but there was no bus stop built.
As a result, PMV Bus Operators are forced to stop just on the side of the Nine Mile Roundabout to drop off and pick up passengers.
Some passengers say, it is unsafe to continue such practices, PMV operators say, they do not have a choice. Even Taxi Operators do not have proper areas to park and wait for passengers.
