PRIME Minister Peter O'Neill has assured relatives and the public that the investigation report into the fatal air crash that claimed 28 lives will be made public, The National reports.
O'Neill, during his meeting with the Modilon General Hospital board and management said he hoped the crash investigation was completed to give some relief to relatives on the cause of the accident.
"Civil Aviation Safety Authority has grounded all Airlines PNG Dash 8 fleet to do an audit on all its aircraft, the background to see if there is an issue on manufacturer and safety. Until that is done, APNG will remain grounded," O'Neill said
He said the recent crash involving Airlines PNG aircraft in Madang and the 2009 crash in Kokoda were not related.
He said he had asked the PNG Accident Investigation Commission chief executive officer David Inau to make available the 2009 Kokoda crash report which should be ready by now.
O'Neill said it had taken some time for that report but said investigations of aircraft crash reports were slow because of the nature of the investigations.
He appealed to the family and relatives of the dead in the Madang air crash to be patient while awaiting DNA testing with the help of the Australian authorities to identify the bodies.
He said the investigations would reveal the outcome that the government wanted to take note of and make cabinet decisions to ensure the safety of the travelling public.
O'Neill admitted that after 36 years of independence, road infrastructure was still a problem and the people would continue to use air transport.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
O’Neill commits K500,000 for evacuation and funeral
PRIME Minister Peter O'Neill has announced the national government's commitment of K500,000 towards the repatriation and funeral of the 28 passengers killed in the Airlines PNG crash near Madang, The National reports.
"The government is committing K500,000 for evacuation and funeral.
"The government will do everything possible to ensure we transport them back to their villages to be given the respect they deserve with a decent burial," O'Neill said.
He also promised to ensure legislations were tightened to ensure such air accidents were not repeated.
"We will work closely with the airlines to ensure safety standards are maintained.
"The government remains committed that safety standard is maintained at the highest level," he said.
O'Neill visited the crash site yesterday.
The government delegation included Civil Aviation Minister Puri Ruing, Madang Governor James Gau and Prime Minister's chief of staff Ben Micah.
They travelled by the Falcon jet to Madang yesterday morning before taking a 10-minute helicopter ride to the crash site.
O'Neill led the wreath laying on the propellers of the aircraft.
A one-minute silence was observed before he asked Micah to end the solemn occasion with a prayer for those who lost their lives.
"Terrible," O'Neill said after taking into account the enormity of the crash scene when he walked through the crash site.
"It is history for this country to have such a big loss of lives in a single plane crash," he said.
He said his visit to the crash site was to pay his respect to the victims and also to personally pass on his thank you and appreciation on behalf of the government to the villagers who helped saved four lives and removed the bodies.
O'Neill attended a memorial service at the Divine Word University where he personally met the grieving students who lost their family members on the ill-fated flight.
He told the service of his visit to the crash site which he said was by far the biggest loss of lives in the country's 36 year history.
He thanked the Divine Word university community, public servants, Australian air investigators and Australian Federal Police for their quick response to assist PNG.
He later visited the Modilon General Hospital where he met staff and management.
Australian forensic experts to help identify burnt bodies
A FORENSIC team from Australia yesterday arrived to conduct DNA tests on the victims of the Airlines PNG Dash 8 crash, The National reports.
Modilon General Hospital director of medical services Dr Billy Selvi said the hospital was short-staffed and faced other issues that had largely left staff demoralised.
Since last Friday, the hospital had became the centre of attraction as relatives of the dead converged hoping to see the remains being brought in after several helicopter trips.
Boston Jack, the morgue attendant, said yesterday a team that returned to the crash site had recovered two more skulls.
One of the four survivors is a Malaysian, Chin Ku Fa, who suffered 27% burns. He is in stable condition.
Modilon General Hospital director of medical services Dr Billy Selvi said the hospital was short-staffed and faced other issues that had largely left staff demoralised.
Since last Friday, the hospital had became the centre of attraction as relatives of the dead converged hoping to see the remains being brought in after several helicopter trips.
Boston Jack, the morgue attendant, said yesterday a team that returned to the crash site had recovered two more skulls.
One of the four survivors is a Malaysian, Chin Ku Fa, who suffered 27% burns. He is in stable condition.
Work begins on recovering parts
By ANGELINE KARIUS
FOUR Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) officers have yet to start investigation at the crash site, according to Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) officer on the ground Lesley Sefue, The National reports.
Sefue, who is heading the team, confirmed that ATSB had two aircraft engineers in the country – one in Madang and the other in Port Moresby.
He said the team had flown in from Australia at the weekend to assist PNG investigators establish the cause of the accident.
"We have yet to commence investigation into the crash leading into the second day.
"Right now we are still removing components of the aircraft's engine and securing it from possible rain.
"There is still no concrete evidence linking the crash," Sefue said, adding there would be no information made public when investigations start.
Sefue said three Airlines PNG aircraft engineers have joined the investigators and were also providing assistance.
He also said the crash site had been sealed off and guarded to protect evidence and also because of potential health hazard.
FOUR Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) officers have yet to start investigation at the crash site, according to Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) officer on the ground Lesley Sefue, The National reports.
Sefue, who is heading the team, confirmed that ATSB had two aircraft engineers in the country – one in Madang and the other in Port Moresby.
He said the team had flown in from Australia at the weekend to assist PNG investigators establish the cause of the accident.
"We have yet to commence investigation into the crash leading into the second day.
"Right now we are still removing components of the aircraft's engine and securing it from possible rain.
"There is still no concrete evidence linking the crash," Sefue said, adding there would be no information made public when investigations start.
Sefue said three Airlines PNG aircraft engineers have joined the investigators and were also providing assistance.
He also said the crash site had been sealed off and guarded to protect evidence and also because of potential health hazard.
InterOil: Fuel not contaminated
FUEL distributor InterOil yesterday denied that its fuel may have been contaminated, leading to last Thursday's Dash 8 aircraft crash in Madang, The National reports,
PNG Accident Investigation Commission chief executive officer David Inau also ruled out the contamination theory put forward by a Lae businessman which The Australian newspaper reported at the weekend.
InterOil general manager Peter Diezmann said in a media statement that immediately following the crash, it initiated its standard operating procedure to quarantine relevant fuel sources and facilities, freeze aircraft operations and engaged with the Civil Aviation Safety authority to ensure that appropriate testing could be undertaken.
He said the company undertook the testing to determine if its fuel were contaminated as speculated.
"The company was concerned for the safety of other air travellers, even though it was unlikely that their fuel would have contributed to the accident, therefore, all fuel distribution was stopped to allow for the testing," he said.
Diezmann said the bad fuel theory was ruled out because another 15 aircraft also refuelled at Nadzab Airport, Lae, from the same batch of aviation fuel last Thursday.
He said initial testing and analysis of the fuel confirmed that the fuel supplied to the aircraft in Lae fully complied with specifications.
Diezmann said comprehensive testing has now been completed by a specialist independent laboratory and consequently CASA had cleared the company's refuelling operations.
He said as a result of the clearance, refueling operations at Nadzab had recommenced.
Asked yesterday to comment on fuel contamination, Inau said: "We would discount that."
He has set up office at Madang airport to coordinate efforts to determine the cause of the crash which killed 28 people.
"If contaminants were in the fuel they would have caused the engine to flame out.
"But the way the fire tore out the plane shows it could be other causes which may be related to other factors.
"So yes, we are still trying to figure out what the bang, which people say they have heard, is all about".
Meanwhile, a team from Bombardier, the Canadian manufacturers of the Dash 8 aircraft, and a team from Pratt and Whitney, engine makers of the plane, arrived yesterday in Madang and will visit the crash site today.
Airlines PNG, meanwhile, had grounded its remaining 11 Dash 8 aircraft, hoping to resume as soon as clearance is given.
PNG Accident Investigation Commission chief executive officer David Inau also ruled out the contamination theory put forward by a Lae businessman which The Australian newspaper reported at the weekend.
InterOil general manager Peter Diezmann said in a media statement that immediately following the crash, it initiated its standard operating procedure to quarantine relevant fuel sources and facilities, freeze aircraft operations and engaged with the Civil Aviation Safety authority to ensure that appropriate testing could be undertaken.
He said the company undertook the testing to determine if its fuel were contaminated as speculated.
"The company was concerned for the safety of other air travellers, even though it was unlikely that their fuel would have contributed to the accident, therefore, all fuel distribution was stopped to allow for the testing," he said.
Diezmann said the bad fuel theory was ruled out because another 15 aircraft also refuelled at Nadzab Airport, Lae, from the same batch of aviation fuel last Thursday.
He said initial testing and analysis of the fuel confirmed that the fuel supplied to the aircraft in Lae fully complied with specifications.
Diezmann said comprehensive testing has now been completed by a specialist independent laboratory and consequently CASA had cleared the company's refuelling operations.
He said as a result of the clearance, refueling operations at Nadzab had recommenced.
Asked yesterday to comment on fuel contamination, Inau said: "We would discount that."
He has set up office at Madang airport to coordinate efforts to determine the cause of the crash which killed 28 people.
"If contaminants were in the fuel they would have caused the engine to flame out.
"But the way the fire tore out the plane shows it could be other causes which may be related to other factors.
"So yes, we are still trying to figure out what the bang, which people say they have heard, is all about".
Meanwhile, a team from Bombardier, the Canadian manufacturers of the Dash 8 aircraft, and a team from Pratt and Whitney, engine makers of the plane, arrived yesterday in Madang and will visit the crash site today.
Airlines PNG, meanwhile, had grounded its remaining 11 Dash 8 aircraft, hoping to resume as soon as clearance is given.
Prime Minister visits crash site
PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill yesterday visited the crash site of last
Thursday’s horrific air tragedy outside Madang and offered K500,000 to
repatriate the bodies for proper burials, The National reports.
The repatriation of bodies, however, will have to await DNA testing by an Australian forensic team to establish the identities of the deceased as most bodies had been burnt beyond recognition.
The team was yesterday briefed and set up office within the Madang hospital grounds to begin work today.
They are to take blood or mouth swabs from relatives to establish DNA matches with the bodies of the dead.
In selected spots in many parts of the country, the traditional haus krai, or places of mourning, had been set up for friends and relatives to gather and express their grief for the 28 who perished.
Meanwhile, the sole supplier and distributor of fuel, InterOil, declared yesterday that the fuel was not contaminated as suggested in media reports.
General manager Peter Diezmann said the company undertook the testing immediately after the crash to determine whether its fuel were contaminated but after further comprehensive testing, CASA cleared the fuel operations.
Bad fuel has also been ruled out by the PNG Accident Investigation Commission chief executive officer David Inau.
A team also arrived yesterday from Canada from Bombardier who manufacture the airframe and from Pratt & Whitney, the engine makers to undertake their own investigation into the crash.
Air Niugini, which flies Dash 8 in its own fleet, continued its operations after doing its own investigations and after receiving assurances from the aircraft manufacturers that there was nothing wrong with the aircraft.
O’Neill, accompanied by Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Puri Ruing, yesterday laid a wreath at the site of the crash and attended mass at the Divine Word University where he comforted students who lost parents and relatives in the crash.
The university has set up a haus krai and has established counselling services for the students affected
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| Brother and sister John Paul and Paula Matlam in the company of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill at Madang's Divine Word University yesterday. They lost family members in the Airlines PNG Dash 8 aircraft disaster last Thursday.-Nationalpic by JAYNE SAFIHAO |
The repatriation of bodies, however, will have to await DNA testing by an Australian forensic team to establish the identities of the deceased as most bodies had been burnt beyond recognition.
The team was yesterday briefed and set up office within the Madang hospital grounds to begin work today.
They are to take blood or mouth swabs from relatives to establish DNA matches with the bodies of the dead.
In selected spots in many parts of the country, the traditional haus krai, or places of mourning, had been set up for friends and relatives to gather and express their grief for the 28 who perished.
Meanwhile, the sole supplier and distributor of fuel, InterOil, declared yesterday that the fuel was not contaminated as suggested in media reports.
General manager Peter Diezmann said the company undertook the testing immediately after the crash to determine whether its fuel were contaminated but after further comprehensive testing, CASA cleared the fuel operations.
Bad fuel has also been ruled out by the PNG Accident Investigation Commission chief executive officer David Inau.
A team also arrived yesterday from Canada from Bombardier who manufacture the airframe and from Pratt & Whitney, the engine makers to undertake their own investigation into the crash.
Air Niugini, which flies Dash 8 in its own fleet, continued its operations after doing its own investigations and after receiving assurances from the aircraft manufacturers that there was nothing wrong with the aircraft.
O’Neill, accompanied by Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Puri Ruing, yesterday laid a wreath at the site of the crash and attended mass at the Divine Word University where he comforted students who lost parents and relatives in the crash.
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| O'Neill, Madang Governor James Gau (centre) and a government official observing a minute of silence at the crash site.-Nationalpic by ISAAC NICHOLAS |
The university has set up a haus krai and has established counselling services for the students affected
Monday, October 17, 2011
Merger proposal off, says prime minister
By WALLACE KIALA
PRIME Minister Peter O'Neill says the proposed merger between Air Niugini and Airlines PNG has been cancelled, The National reports.
The government's decision comes because of the tragic plane crash last Thursday, the worst air disaster in the nation's history.
The Dash 8 aircraft crashed near Madang, killing 28 of the 32 people on board.
While conveying his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, O'Neill said the Independent Public Business Corporation would be directed to review other business alternatives.
It would also put in place aviation safety options and look at planning a way forward for the aviation industry.
"Government has heard what the people and the unions have said and has decided to cancel it (the merger)," O'Neill said.
He was speaking at the launch of the National Airports Corporation last Friday. His announcement was greeted with applause from the company's management and staff.
An NAC senior officer was reportedly among one of those killed in the plane crash.
The decision by government to have the merger dissolved now puts to rest speculation and issues from the public, individuals, private and public institutions and the airline workers unions on the implications of the merger.
The National Executive Council last month approved in principle the merger by the two major airlines.
There has been increasing concern raised against it by the public and private institutions.
When announcing the merger last month, O'Neill said the major result would be the significant expansion of air services.
He had said only 32 airports had scheduled airline services.
More than a week ago, members of the National Airline Employees Association, the National Pilots Union, Flight Attendants Association, Air Niugini Engineers Association and the airport fire fighter union marched from Jackson International Airport to the Air Niugini head office at 7-Mile to protest against the proposed merger.
They had a petition to the airline management, saying a merger would not deliver any financial, commercial and credible gains to Air Niugini and the people.
PRIME Minister Peter O'Neill says the proposed merger between Air Niugini and Airlines PNG has been cancelled, The National reports.
The government's decision comes because of the tragic plane crash last Thursday, the worst air disaster in the nation's history.
The Dash 8 aircraft crashed near Madang, killing 28 of the 32 people on board.
While conveying his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, O'Neill said the Independent Public Business Corporation would be directed to review other business alternatives.
It would also put in place aviation safety options and look at planning a way forward for the aviation industry.
"Government has heard what the people and the unions have said and has decided to cancel it (the merger)," O'Neill said.
He was speaking at the launch of the National Airports Corporation last Friday. His announcement was greeted with applause from the company's management and staff.
An NAC senior officer was reportedly among one of those killed in the plane crash.
The decision by government to have the merger dissolved now puts to rest speculation and issues from the public, individuals, private and public institutions and the airline workers unions on the implications of the merger.
The National Executive Council last month approved in principle the merger by the two major airlines.
There has been increasing concern raised against it by the public and private institutions.
When announcing the merger last month, O'Neill said the major result would be the significant expansion of air services.
He had said only 32 airports had scheduled airline services.
More than a week ago, members of the National Airline Employees Association, the National Pilots Union, Flight Attendants Association, Air Niugini Engineers Association and the airport fire fighter union marched from Jackson International Airport to the Air Niugini head office at 7-Mile to protest against the proposed merger.
They had a petition to the airline management, saying a merger would not deliver any financial, commercial and credible gains to Air Niugini and the people.
Passenger list released
AIRLINES PNG grounded its remaining 11 Dash 8 aircraft last Friday while investigations started into last Thursday's horrific crash that claimed 28 lives, The National reports.
Eleven of the 28 people on the ill-fated flight were parents and family members of students at the Divine Word University who had gone to participate in a thanksgiving ceremony last Friday.
The university held a candle-lit vigil in remembrance over the weekend.
Those who died in the accident were Sidy Abore, Patrus Akau, Jeffrey Ako, Lucas Bako, Jenny Bal, Ronold Bibi, Samuel Bid, Natasha Bonga, Nathan Bonga, Cotilda Bula, Jeffrey Bula, Saron Doma, Ian Gagi, Benedict Kanaiu, Paul Konia, Thomas Kuekue, Esher Matlam, Christine Matlam, David Olobai, Samson Ote, Barnabas Philip, Debura Rabura, Miria Renagi, Anki Saiyong, Robert Sanglela, Mark Save, Simon Tiriman and Cecilia Wata.
As six Australian forensic experts were dispatched to assist with identification of almost all the bodies which have been burnt beyond recognition, APNG also announced that experts from aircraft frame manufacturers DeHavilland in Canada were also on their way and should be at the site today.
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill is also expected to visit the site and to participate in a memorial service at Divine Word University today.
Two black boxes, the flight recorders, were retrieved and could give vital details to investigators on what exactly happened in the final moments on board DHC-8 P2-MCJ.
An eyewitness, Amos Titus, from Marakum village told The National that there was a loud noise in the air and there was smoke pouring from the tail of the aircraft as it flew low over the sea.
"The smoke was blowing from the tail of the aircraft," Titus said in Tok Pisin.
"And fuel was pouring from the plane because it was dripping flames behind it as it approached. Where ever the fuel dripped on leaves of trees, the leaves burst into flames.
"The plane hit the branch of a tree and it flew off and then the tail broke apart and the plane hit the ground. It skidded for about 150m before it hit a tree and stopped.
"I was so shocked. I had never seen anything like it.
"I heard screams inside but the fire was too hot to do anything. Only one Chinese man jumped out and we helped him to safety."
APNG chairman Simon Wild pledged the airline's total commitment to establish the cause of last Thursday's tragic crash and support the families of the 28 victims.
He said APNG was "100% committed to finding out" the truth about the cause of the crash.
"We want and need to know too, and when we do, we will share our knowledge with you.
"That is why we have opened our books and made our people available to the investigating authorities, why there is a team from Canada representing the airframe manufactures and the engine makers on site today, and why we will share the community's pain until we know.
"My personal commitment to you is that, until we are confident there are no safety issues with our Dash-8 fleet, they will stay on the ground."
Eleven of the 28 people on the ill-fated flight were parents and family members of students at the Divine Word University who had gone to participate in a thanksgiving ceremony last Friday.
The university held a candle-lit vigil in remembrance over the weekend.
Those who died in the accident were Sidy Abore, Patrus Akau, Jeffrey Ako, Lucas Bako, Jenny Bal, Ronold Bibi, Samuel Bid, Natasha Bonga, Nathan Bonga, Cotilda Bula, Jeffrey Bula, Saron Doma, Ian Gagi, Benedict Kanaiu, Paul Konia, Thomas Kuekue, Esher Matlam, Christine Matlam, David Olobai, Samson Ote, Barnabas Philip, Debura Rabura, Miria Renagi, Anki Saiyong, Robert Sanglela, Mark Save, Simon Tiriman and Cecilia Wata.
As six Australian forensic experts were dispatched to assist with identification of almost all the bodies which have been burnt beyond recognition, APNG also announced that experts from aircraft frame manufacturers DeHavilland in Canada were also on their way and should be at the site today.
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill is also expected to visit the site and to participate in a memorial service at Divine Word University today.
Two black boxes, the flight recorders, were retrieved and could give vital details to investigators on what exactly happened in the final moments on board DHC-8 P2-MCJ.
An eyewitness, Amos Titus, from Marakum village told The National that there was a loud noise in the air and there was smoke pouring from the tail of the aircraft as it flew low over the sea.
"The smoke was blowing from the tail of the aircraft," Titus said in Tok Pisin.
"And fuel was pouring from the plane because it was dripping flames behind it as it approached. Where ever the fuel dripped on leaves of trees, the leaves burst into flames.
"The plane hit the branch of a tree and it flew off and then the tail broke apart and the plane hit the ground. It skidded for about 150m before it hit a tree and stopped.
"I was so shocked. I had never seen anything like it.
"I heard screams inside but the fire was too hot to do anything. Only one Chinese man jumped out and we helped him to safety."
APNG chairman Simon Wild pledged the airline's total commitment to establish the cause of last Thursday's tragic crash and support the families of the 28 victims.
He said APNG was "100% committed to finding out" the truth about the cause of the crash.
"We want and need to know too, and when we do, we will share our knowledge with you.
"That is why we have opened our books and made our people available to the investigating authorities, why there is a team from Canada representing the airframe manufactures and the engine makers on site today, and why we will share the community's pain until we know.
"My personal commitment to you is that, until we are confident there are no safety issues with our Dash-8 fleet, they will stay on the ground."
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Belden Sevua was a "political animal"
By
MALUM NALU
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The late Belden Sevua, who passed away last Monday
been described as a “political animal” by close friends and family members.
His funeral service will be held at Siome Kami
Memorial Church tomorrow, Monday, October 17, from 1pm-4pm before the body
departs on Tuesday for burial on Manus.
Close friends Paul Bengo, John Kambuou and Martin
Tabel, as well as family member Reuben Pokanau, said Sevua was one of a kind.
Sevua is the second longest-serving political staff
with the Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, having spent 34 years with the man.
He joined the Office of National Planning, then
under the Department of Prime Minister, as a research officer after graduating
from the University of PNG in 1977, and seconded to the PM’s Office, reporting
to Paul Bengo, who was then department head.
He was a passionate snooker, billiards and darts
player and member of South Pacific Motor Sports Club (Car Club), his ‘second
home’.
Belden Sinaki Sevua was born on January 28, 1950,
born to Sevua Sameal and mother Mara Leomwie in Rei Village, Lou Island, in
Manus.
He was just six months old when he lost his mother
through a freak accident.
He was looked after by Irong Pani of Baon village when
he was old enough to go to school in 1958.
He attended primary school at the Pisik SDA Central
School from 1958 to 1964.
From there, he went on to Kambubu Adventist High
School in East New Britain province.
He completed his high school education at Manus High
School in 1968.
From 1969 to 1971, he attended Goroka Teachers
College and attained his Diploma in Teaching in Agriculture Science.
From 1972 to 1974, he taught at Tusbab High School
in Madang.
During that time, he attended Lahara sessions at
University of PNG for matriculation.
He went to UPNG from 1975 to 1976 and graduated with
a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.
In 1989 and 1990, whilst an advisor to Sir Michael,
he attended Wollongong University in Australia and completed his Masters Degree
in International Relations.
He left behind his daughter Dorcas and sons
Thompson, Chris and Komini, as well as his late daughter, Sonia.
He also left behind his relatives of the Umbua clan.
Family member Reuben Pokanau described Sevua as a
“political animal”.
“He ate, slept and lived for Grand Chief Sir Michael
Somare,” he said.
“He was never employed by anyone else.
“Belden Sevua
has been the first department head from Lou Island and an icon for aspiring
islanders to reach the top in whatever profession they are in.”
Friday, October 14, 2011
Plane crash claims 28
By SINCLAIRE SOLOMON
AN Airlines PNG Dash 8 aircraft crashed in bad weather near Madang killing up to 28 people in the country's worst air disaster, The National reports.
There were four survivors – three crew members and a passenger.
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill immediately conveyed his condolences while Public Enterprises Minister Sir Mekere Morauta suspended all talks in relation to the proposed Air Niugini and Airlines PNG merger.
The Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) said last night there were 32 people on board the plane which went down about 6pm in the Raicoast area on a normal flight from Lae to Madang.
Unconfirmed reports suggested that the passengers were mainly parents on their way to attend the thanksgiving of their children attending the Divine Word University in Madang.On a normal domestic flight, a Dash 8 aircraft carries a crew of four – a pilot, a first officer and two flight attendants.
Villagers and Madang residents said the weather was bad, with thunderstorm in the area in the afternoon.
AIC had not officially confirmed how many had survived the crash, however, investigator Sid O'Toole said the plane went down over land about 20km south of Madang.
"There were reports of fire and there have been some fatalities," he said.
O'Toole said police and ambulances had reached the crash site and investigators will be travelling there today.
The billion-kina Ramu nickel mine developer Ramu NiCo, which has projects in the area, said last night it had a rescue team on site.
As of 7pm, Madang provincial police commander Anthony Wagambie Jr and his officers, emergency official Norman Philemon and provincial administrator Ben Lange were making preparations to send a rescue team to Raicoast.
In Port Moresby, consular officials at the Australian High Commission were trying to determine if there were any Australians on board. It was believed the pilots were Australians.
Australia also scrambled four Black Hawk helicopters, here for the past week for a joint defence force exercise, to help in the search and rescue effort.
Sir Mekere expressed deep sympathy for the families and relatives of those who had lost their lives in the crash.
"This is a terrible accident, and many people have died," he said.
"I offer my condolences to the families of the victims of this disaster," he said.
AN Airlines PNG Dash 8 aircraft crashed in bad weather near Madang killing up to 28 people in the country's worst air disaster, The National reports.
There were four survivors – three crew members and a passenger.
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill immediately conveyed his condolences while Public Enterprises Minister Sir Mekere Morauta suspended all talks in relation to the proposed Air Niugini and Airlines PNG merger.
The Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) said last night there were 32 people on board the plane which went down about 6pm in the Raicoast area on a normal flight from Lae to Madang.
Unconfirmed reports suggested that the passengers were mainly parents on their way to attend the thanksgiving of their children attending the Divine Word University in Madang.On a normal domestic flight, a Dash 8 aircraft carries a crew of four – a pilot, a first officer and two flight attendants.
Villagers and Madang residents said the weather was bad, with thunderstorm in the area in the afternoon.
AIC had not officially confirmed how many had survived the crash, however, investigator Sid O'Toole said the plane went down over land about 20km south of Madang.
"There were reports of fire and there have been some fatalities," he said.
O'Toole said police and ambulances had reached the crash site and investigators will be travelling there today.
The billion-kina Ramu nickel mine developer Ramu NiCo, which has projects in the area, said last night it had a rescue team on site.
As of 7pm, Madang provincial police commander Anthony Wagambie Jr and his officers, emergency official Norman Philemon and provincial administrator Ben Lange were making preparations to send a rescue team to Raicoast.
In Port Moresby, consular officials at the Australian High Commission were trying to determine if there were any Australians on board. It was believed the pilots were Australians.
Australia also scrambled four Black Hawk helicopters, here for the past week for a joint defence force exercise, to help in the search and rescue effort.
Sir Mekere expressed deep sympathy for the families and relatives of those who had lost their lives in the crash.
"This is a terrible accident, and many people have died," he said.
"I offer my condolences to the families of the victims of this disaster," he said.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Goroka Secondary School needs your help
By
MALUM NALU
Former students of Goroka Secondary School, one of
the leading secondary educational institutions in the country, are putting
their money where their heart is.
They will be holding a fundraising dinner at Dynasty
Seafood Restaurant, Vision City, on Saturday, October 22, to help the school
raise funds to rebuild its science laboratory, which was razed by fire in June
this year.
The school, formerly known as Goroka High School,
has produced some of Papua New Guinea’s leading personalities such as Prime
Minister Peter O’Neill, Chief Secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc, National Court judge
Panuel Mogish, Airbus A380 pilot Capt Locklyn Sabumei, and many more from all
over PNG.
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| Captain Locklyn Sabumei at the "front office" of the Airbus A380 |
They have all been asked to help the school at this
time of need.
A fundraising committee known as Asu Amiti
Fundraising Committee has been set up in Goroka and Port Moresby since the
burning down of the laboratory, and has already conducted several fundraising
activities, which will culminate with the dinner.
It is made up of former students and staff of the
school.
Tickets are on sale in three categories – gold for
K10, 000, silver for K5, 000 and bronze for K3, 000 – while individual tickets
can be purchased for K150.
Committee member and businessman Jeno Aeno, owner of
Oxford Medical Supplies and a former student, urged all former students to
attend the dinner.
“We’re having ex-students from places like Alotau,
Kokopo, Tabubil, Lae and Madang calling us to purchase tickets,” he said.
“These people are going to spend their own money to
fly in just for the dinner.
“It’s also becoming like a big reunion for the
school.”
Aeno said they were already assured of support from
National Gaming Control Board, Post PNG, JDA Wokman, Eyechen and National
Maritime Safety Authority.
He is already putting his money where his mouth is,
with Oxford paying for four tables at a cost of K19, 000.
Former students and supporters of the school who
wish to attend the dinner can call Oxford Medical Supplies on telephone
3254874.
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