Manus fire

Manus Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector, David Yapu, says at this stage, the remains of the 10 are still at the Lorenagu morgue.  

He says the bodies will be taken overseas for DNA test as we do not have the facility in PNG.

Two suspects were taken in for questioning over the province’s worst fire disaster that occurred in the early hours of September 22.  

Both suspects were released pending further investigations and PPC Yapu is appealing to the people of Manus to assist them and come forward to provide further information on the incident.

What remains of the six other victims have yet to be recovered.

Manus Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector, David Yapu, said forensic officers from Port Moresby have flown into Manus and are working with local police to retrieve the burnt bodies.

The place of fire, the Splendid supermarket is the largest shopping center in Manus consisting of a supermarket, wholesale and hardware.

Ironically what would have been saved on Friday morning in the province's worst fire disaster could not be done, simply because of this outstanding issue.

Manus Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector, David Yapu confirmed that 10 Chinese people perished in the fire.

"The 10 that were burnt to death in the fire were six females and four males."

PPC Yapu said the fire started at about 3am on Friday (Sept 22) and spread quickly to other parts of the Splendid Star Supermarket, and to the bedroom where the 10 Chinese nationals were sleeping.