Truck driver involved in Barakau collision surrenders to Police

The driver of a Kana Construction dump truck involved in a serious collision with a police vehicle over the weekend has surrendered to authorities after initially fleeing the scene.

Central Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Joseph Salle confirmed the driver is now in police custody and will be interrogated before formal charges are laid.

The driver, who was operating a 10-cubic metre Kana Construction dump truck, fled the accident scene out of fear but later turned himself in with the assistance of company management.

Kana Construction Managing Director Roxon Undi accompanied the driver to the police station and assured investigators that the company is fully cooperating with the investigation.

Undi said they will work closely with police to ensure the investigation would be completed and the legal process followed.

The driver has admitted fault, describing the crash as accidental and expressing regret for fleeing. His surrender allows police to proceed with the investigation under standard procedures.

The accident occurred at approximately 2:00pm on Saturday along the Maggi Highway near Barakau village, involving the company truck and a police 10-seater Toyota Land Cruiser.

Five police officers from the Central Highway Patrol Unit were seriously injured and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

PPC Salle also raised concerns for the welfare of his officers and acknowledged Kana Construction’s commitment to support the investigation and those affected.

Mr. Undi, expressing sympathy to the injured officers, said the police team had been working closely with the company during ongoing construction projects in Central Province.

He said this was an unfortunate accident as the company and police officers both serve the people of Central Province, and Kana deeply regret what has happened.

Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.