Eight dead in traffic accident along Okuk highway

Toyota Land Cruiser bearing registration number SAF 033, 13 people travelling in the 10-seater vehicle that ran off downhill at Itani village in Asaro, Eastern Highlands *(Supplied-Evangeh photographer)*

Eastern Highlands Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Albert Beli has confirmed that eight people died in a traffic accident that occurred between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM this morning at Itani Village, Asaro, along the Okuk Highway in Eastern Highlands Province.

PPC Beli said, 13 people were allegedly traveling in the 10-seater vehicle downhill at Itani village when the vehicle ran off the road, causing the crash.

"Reports confirm that five males and three females died, while five others are currently seeking medical treatment. The vehicle involved is a white Toyota Land Cruiser bearing registration number SAF 033.

Police personnel have been deployed to assist at the accident scene," PPC Beli said.

Asaro police officers and Highway Patrol personnel confirmed that the eight deceased individuals have been transferred to the Goroka Base Hospital morgue, while the remaining five are receiving medical treatment at the Asaro Health Centre.

Officers are currently working to establish the identities of the victims and the deceased.

While commenting on the incident, PPC Beli emphasized that many traffic accidents reported along the highway could be avoided if drivers obeyed simple traffic rules.

He said that in the past, people respected traffic laws, resulting in fewer accidents compared to today