Middle Ramu MP devastated by plane crash
The Member for Middle Ramu, Kansol Kamdaru, says he is devastated over yesterday's tragic plane crash in his remote district, which claimed the lives of three people.
The light aircraft operated by Niugini Aviation, was under the command of pilot Paul Gueme and his two passengers, had departed Mt Hagen soon after 1pm yesterday on a chartered run but met its fate about six miles south of Simbai.
"I am so devastated to hear about the plane crash in my district. My people rely heavily on these third level aircrafts for their transportation needs, and what happened yesterday is a great loss to my district and my people," Kamdaru said.
"I also wish to express heartfelt condolences on behalf of my district and my people to the families and relatives of the three men who perished in the unfortunate incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
"Your loss is our loss too. Niugini Aviation has played a tremendous part in the lives of my people and contributed immensely to the development of Middle Ramu."
Former Madang Governor, Jim Kas, who is also a local man from Simbai, said Papua New Guinea has lost a great man, a very well experienced pilot, who did his job diligently, not for money but for the love of flying and contributing to the development of the remotest parts of this country.
"I have known the late pilot for a long time," Kas said.
"Knowing Paul, he loves flying and had the gist for the most difficult tasks. He understood the small people well and their needs, despite bad weather conditions, rugged terrains, and the remoteness of places. He took risks and flew across Papua New Guinea.
"He found happiness, satisfaction in serving the remote people. He knew the beauty of landing a plane in remote areas and seeing people smile when they see a plane land because that is their only connection to the outside world. Paul was the man in between, and he delivered it until yeaterday," Mr Kas said.
He also said that late Gueme flew in to Simbai three to four times a day until yesterday when he met his fate.
As a former leader for Madang, Kas also expressed sadness on his passing, as well as the two passengers.
"On behalf of the people of Middle Ramu, Raikos, and other remote areas of Madang Province that rely mostly on small aircrafts for their transportation needs, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Paul's family, and the families of the two passengers who died in the tragic crash yesterday afternoon," he said.