Daulo Pass, Eastern Highlands – A tragic motor vehicle accident at the treacherous Daulo Pass near Kangu Kona has claimed the lives of three individuals, including a Chinese national reported to be the Managing Director of a major gas power project in Papua New Guinea, another Chinese associate, and a young Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) cadet.
Eastern Highlands Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector John Bosco confirmed the incident, stating that the crash occurred earlier on Saturday morning along a notoriously winding and slippery stretch of the Highlands Highway. He said the vehicle appeared to have been traveling at high speed when it lost control and plunged into a deep ravine.
“We believe the vehicle may have been travelling too fast for the conditions,” Inspector Bosco said. “All three occupants died on the spot due to the severity of the crash.”
Eyewitnesses from the nearby Kangu Kona village told police that they heard a loud screeching noise followed by a heavy crash echoing through the valley. A local resident, Junior Wambes, who was among the first at the scene, said the vehicle was completely crushed and the occupants were unresponsive.
“It was a horrifying sight,” Mr. Wambes said. “There was nothing we could do. We immediately called the police and nearby emergency responders.”
Police have identified one of the victims as a high-ranking Chinese executive overseeing a multimillion-kina gas power project in the country. The second Chinese national, believed to be a colleague or assistant, has not yet been officially named. The third victim, a PNGDF cadet, was said to be attached to the gas project in a security or liaison capacity.
According to Inspector Bosco, the bodies of the deceased were retrieved from the crash site with the assistance of local villagers and rescue personnel. He added that formal identification of the victims is underway, and their respective embassies and families are being notified.
“The Highlands Highway—especially the Daulo Pass—is known for its danger, particularly in wet conditions,” the PPC noted. “We have long raised concerns about the need for regular maintenance and better signage in these high-risk areas.”
The Chinese Embassy in Port Moresby has been informed, and a response team is expected to arrive in Goroka to assist with repatriation efforts and coordinate with local authorities.
Meanwhile, PNG Prime Minister James Marape is expected to issue a statement once full details are confirmed.
“This is a terrible loss,” said a spokesperson from the Department of Petroleum and Energy. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims, particularly as this tragic event involved key personnel involved in critical national infrastructure projects.”
As investigations continue, authorities are urging all drivers—especially along the Highlands Highway—to observe speed limits and exercise extreme caution during this rainy season.
Further updates will be provided as new information emerges.
