PNG Government's Energy Minister Involved in Central Province Traffic Crash

A traffic accident involving PNG Minister for Energy and Kairuku MP Peter Namea Isoaimo and a Papua New Guinea Defence Force soldier is under police investigation following a collision along the Hiritano Highway in Central Province.

 PNG Government's Energy Minister Involved in Central Province Traffic Crash /Photos Police Media FB

Central Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Joseph Salle confirmed the crash occurred at about 8pm on Monday near Goldie Junction. He said two vehicles involved in the incident have been impounded at the Fifteen Mile Police Station as police work to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.

According to police, Minister Isoaimo was travelling from his home towards Port Moresby, while the PNGDF soldier was driving from Port Moresby towards the Laloki area. Initial reports indicate the soldier attempted to avoid a pothole at the junction and veered inward at the same time the Minister’s vehicle was changing lanes.

Chief Inspector Salle said the soldier, who was driving a smaller vehicle, sustained injuries and was transported to hospital by St John Ambulance for medical treatment. Police units secured the scene shortly after the crash and removed both vehicles for further examination.

Meanwhile, police have raised concerns over the growing number of traffic accidents along major highways in Central Province. Another crash was reported yesterday afternoon along the Maggi Highway at Tubuseria village, while a separate incident involving a Kana Construction vehicle over the weekend is also being investigated.

Chief Inspector Salle urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads, noting a worrying rise in reported accidents since the start of the year. “We have received more than ten traffic accident reports since January, and the number is increasing every day. That is not good,” he said.