PM in disbelief, says worst aviation disaster in PNG

By ROSALYN ALBANIEL-EVARA �LOOKS like the fire was big and the rocks did not help. This accident is one of the worst in the nation�s history,� the Prime Minister Peter O�Neill said yesterday, in disbelief when he visited the site where the ill-fated Airlines PNG Dash Eight aircraft went down at Marakum, Raicoast District. Mr O�Neill flew into Marakum at about 11.10am and was accompanied by Madang Governor James Gau, Minister for Civil Aviation Puri Ruing, The Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority�s Accident Investigation Commission Captain David Inau, his Chief of Staff Ben Micah, Madang Provincial Administrator Ben Lange, Madang Provincial Police Commander Superintendant and representatives of the media. He was met upon arrival at the crash site by members of the crash investigating team on the ground from CASA, AIC, APNG, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and the local people who since the crash been keeping vigil over the wreckage. The PM had decided to forego a number of pressing engagements he had, had abroad in Australia and China specifically to visit the crash site and to meet and offer his condolence to the grieving relatives of the 28 passengers who were killed last Thursday. The PM, who was clearly taken aback and moved by the sight, said he had decided to make the visit as this was clearly one of the worst accidents in the nation�s aviation history. He said the nation was at a loss as the number of lives that had been claimed in this once accident was also the largest by far also in the aviation industry. Mr O�Neill said he had also made the trip to also personally thank all the people of Madang for their response efforts soon after the accident had occurred. He also thanked the Government of Australia for the deployment of the investigators from the ATSB and Australian Federal Police who were now on the ground to help carry out the DNA tests to help identify the remains of the victims and also to carry out investigations into the crash so that answers could be provided to the grieving relatives regarding their loved ones. He said PNG still faced a lot of challenges with regards to its infrastructure, adding that with many places still inaccessible by road, many continued to depend heavily on air transport. He said the work being carried out by the investigators on the ground would go a long way in helping authorities in ensuring the air transport system is strengthened and made safe for the travelling public. He also took the opportunity to thank the government of Australia for its help in the investigations The PM said the government would make available K500, 000 to help the families of the 28 people to repatriate their remains back to their place of origins so that they are given a dignified send off. Similar sentiments were also expressed by Mr Gau. During the 20 minute visit, the PM laid a wreath on one of the burnt out propellers of the plane. It was clearly a distressing and moving, he was seen shedding a tear. Other wreaths were laid by Mr Ruing, Mr Gau before a minutes silence was observed in respect of the victims before a prayer was offered by Mr Micah, especially for strength to the grieving relatives. They took time also to meet with the investigators on the ground before boarding a Heli Niugini chopper and headed back to Madang town. Meanwhile, during the day long visit, the PM also attended a moving memorial service which was organised by the Divine Word University for the six students who lost their loved ones and relatives of the other passengers who were also on board that APNG Dash Eight. It was a solemn event which saw the whole town showing up to show their support. There he addressed all before visiting the Modilon General Hospital.