Tragedy

The man, identified as a 26-year-old from a mixed parentage of East New Britain and Gulf Province (name withheld), was employed with Maxland PNG Ltd, when he met his fate.

Manus Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said the deceased was clearing the rubber project site at Pelipowai, in the Pobuma LLG, when a huge tree fell, trapping him inside the dozer on Sunday morning, sometime between 7 and 8 am.

An autopsy revealed he died from internal injuries while investigations continue.

For some, like those at Baguale in the Kutubu LLG, Southern Highlands Province, the little they have is running out.

Villager Paul Ipakase told Loop PNG that today marks day four since the devastation.

He expressed sadness that neither of the companies in the area have tried to help the locals.

Ipakase said all villagers have been scattered since the disaster, and most have now gathered at the Baguale Primary School.

A taxi driver, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, hit her with his vehicle and dragged her body for at least 20 metres, where she died instantly.

The tragedy occurred at Vitabaur village on Saturday, April 15, at around 6.30pm.

“He was driving at high speed without lights,” Provincial police commander Joseph Tabali told Loop PNG.

“The car was swaying from side to side when it hit the elderly pedestrian, dragged her body then overturned.

“Police attended to the scene, removed the body and took it to the Vunapope hospital.”

Director for Traffic Police, Joe Joseph, says progress is yet to be made into the former Miss PNG’s investigations.

Furthermore, the main alleged suspect and key witness implicated in the death of the late Laufa is also yet to be charged.

However, the need for justice for the family is paramount.

“Police were not present during the actual happening of the incident and police are only following due process to complete the investigations as soon as possible.”

Traffic police are relying on statements given by witnesses to build a case.