Prime Minister Peter O'Neill grieves over lives lost in Jiwaka traffic accident

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has expressed his deepest sympathies over the tragic vehicle accident in Jiwaka Province.
Whilst in Pomio, East New Britain Province, for the Pomio bi-election, PM O’Neill said he was deeply saddened by the news of the tragic accidents in the past few days, mainly in the Highlands, including the most recent one in Jiwaka today.
“Lately, there have been continuous reports of vehicle accidents due to careless driving and speeding and these attitudes have got to stop,” PM O’Neill said.
The fatal accident, which occurred at the Warabung Bridge on the back road to Banz in Jiwaka, claimed all the lives of an undisclosed number, leaving only three survivors.
The accident included young students, infants and parents, who all lost their lives.
“I am greatly saddened by this news, particularly of the deaths of the young children and their parents,” PM O’Neill said.
He reiterated the importance of road safety and urged drivers of public motor vehicles (PMVs) and other company vehicles carrying people to avoid drink driving and consider the lives and safety of the passengers on board.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to the families, who lost loved ones in the Banz Accident today as well as to those who lost loved ones in the IPI Trucking accident last weekend, in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province.
“May God grant comfort to all their families, in this time of sorrow,” PM O’Neill said.