Four Students dead in Western Highlands School Fight

Four students are dead and several other students, including bystanders seriously wounded, after a fight broke out between Mt. Hagen Secondary and Hagen Park Secondary Schools on Friday (01.04.22).

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority Jane Holden and Specialist Medical Officer of the Mt Hagen Hospital's Emergency Department Dr. John McKuo Junior confirmed with NBC News that of the 20 wounded, four are in critical condition.

Injured students in Hospital [ Photo by NBC] 

Both said those with minor injuries were treated and discharged from hospital.

The fight between the two biggest secondary schools in Western Highlands is believed to be a continuation of an earlier fight a few weeks ago.

Investigations are underway to establish the cause of the fight.

Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Joseph Puri condemned the school fight in a public place, saying this would attract opportunists to do more harm to people and properties.

He said he had approached the two schools last week to raise awareness about the consequences of school and public fights, however, this was not adhered to by the students.

Mr. Puri said the situation is quiet after police intervention last Friday.

He said a request has been made for extra reinforcements from the Police Special Services Division on deployment to Hela province to assist monitor the situation.

Chief Superintendent Puri appealed to students of the two schools to stop fighting and concentrate on their studies.

NBC News / PNG Today

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