4 DEAD, 18 INJURED IN MADANG ROAD CRASH

BY MARTHA LOUIS

FOUR people have died and more than 18 others injured in a fatal road accident along the Sir Bruce Jeffcott Highway near Udini, Bahor, in Madang on Monday morning.

Police say the crash happened around 8:30 am when two Isuzu trucks SPED towards town, when one of the trucks hit a pedestrian, 56-year-old Lucy Sed from Bugati, who died instantly after being dragged by the vehicle.

The truck then went off the road and fell off the Calvet Bridge at Drai Diwai Creek, killing three passengers — 25-year-old Doris Akarfi from Warames Village in Bogia, 35-year-old Alvis Yandan from Yawar Village in Bukati, and Kimberly Kivens from Raicoast.

More than 18 passengers were rushed to Modilon General Hospital with serious injuries.

Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, condemned the accident, saying drivers continue to ignore road safety messages.

“Our traffic officer are wasting their time doing awareness on the road safety, drink driving, overloading and driving with care and attention. You will still reach your destination, why speeding?” PPC Baim exclaimed.

He reminded drivers that “there is no first prize for speeding” and urged PMV operators to drive responsibly.

Police are investigating the cause of the crash.