PNG Truck Driver Dies After Bridge Collapse Near Wewak

A tragic road accident in Papua New Guinea has claimed the life of a truck driver after his vehicle plunged off a bridge outside Wewak on Friday.

The incident occurred at the deteriorating Hawain Bridge when a Hino truck transporting 32 drums of fuel for a civil works company fell into the river while attempting to cross.

 PNG Truck Driver Dies After Bridge Collapse Near Wewak

East Sepik Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Christopher Tamari confirmed that the wooden structure of the bridge gave way under the heavy load of the truck, causing it to crash into the water below.

Police reported that the driver became trapped inside the cabin and was unable to escape as the vehicle submerged, resulting in his death at the scene.

Other crew members who were travelling in the truck managed to escape from the vehicle and were later taken to East Sepik Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.

The body of the deceased driver has since been retrieved and transported to the morgue as authorities continue their inquiries.

Superintendent Tamari expressed frustration over the condition of the bridge, saying the tragedy could have been avoided if the replacement bridge project had not been delayed. “This accident should never have happened. The delay in building the new bridge has put lives at risk,” he said.