PNG Prison Break Leaves Three Dead, Two Still on the Run in Western Highlands

 Papua New Guinea (PNG) police have launched a major manhunt after 10 National Court remandees escaped from Baisu Correctional Institution in Western Highlands Province during visiting hours on Sunday afternoon.

The dramatic breakout has left three escapees dead, five hospitalised with serious injuries under heavy police guard, and two still on the run. Authorities have described the incident as a major security breach and have begun separate police and Correctional Service investigations.

 

Chief Supt Sagom

Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Sagom said the prisoners escaped between 1pm and 2pm while visitors were inside the prison compound.

According to Chief Supt Sagom, the remandees took advantage of the movement of visitors before scaling three security fences and crawling beneath a fourth fence to escape into nearby bushland.

Police officers and Correctional Service personnel immediately mounted a joint operation, with additional police from Mt Hagen deployed to assist in tracking down the escapees.

Five of the fugitives were later recaptured after suffering serious injuries during the escape. They are now being treated at Mt Hagen Provincial Specialist Hospital, where armed police officers are maintaining tight security.

Chief Supt Sagom confirmed that three other escapees later died from injuries sustained during the breakout. He said investigators are yet to establish the exact cause of their deaths.

"The Criminal Investigation Division from Mt Hagen Police Station has taken over the investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths," he said.

The remaining two escapees are still being hunted by police, with search operations continuing across the province.

Police said all 10 escapees were National Court remandees facing serious criminal charges. Seven were on remand for wilful murder, two for armed robbery and one for rape.

Chief Supt Sagom said investigators are also trying to determine how the prisoners managed to escape in broad daylight during official visiting hours.

"I have deployed a police investigation team to Baisu to establish the cause of the breakout and to determine why such an incident occurred during visiting hours in broad daylight," he said.

Security has since been strengthened at Baisu Correctional Institution and at Mt Hagen Provincial Specialist Hospital as investigations continue.

Police have appealed to members of the public not to confront the two remaining escapees but to immediately report any information that could assist investigators.

Correctional Service Commissioner Noel Sarei has also confirmed that an internal investigation has been launched and that Baisu Correctional Institution has been placed on full alert.