Sagom secures scene as city building burns

WHP PPC and recently appointed Acting ACP Western End Command Chief Superintendent John Sagom *(pictured in helmet)* was on the scene of the fire and called in local police personnel and three units assistance from Hela to maintain security at the fire incident scene (NBC News)

As flames engulfed a building in the heart of Mt Hagen City yesterday, panic and confusion gripped the area, with crowds gathering and opportunists attempting to take advantage of the unfolding disaster.

The fire broke out at the Green Leaf Chinese shop in Mt Hagen City around midday on Sunday (25-10-26), as the El Nino heat continued to affect the province and many residents attended church services.

But while the fire continued to consume the building, one senior police officer stepped forward to take charge, demonstrating the leadership and courage he has become known for during tribal conflicts, law-and-order disturbances and other emergencies in Western Highlands Province.

Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent John Sagom, who has also been appointed Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for the Western End Divisional Command, led police personnel in securing the scene and preventing further disorder.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Crowds gathered close to the burning building *(green leaf)* eyeing any opportunities that may be available to grab one or two things from the burning shop *(Supplied)*

As smoke and flames rose from the building, crowds gathered from nearby settlements and surrounding areas, with some attempting to loot goods from the burning premises and neighboring shops along the arcade.

Police officers initially stood by as the situation unfolded before receiving orders to disperse the crowd.

Chief Superintendent Sagom then led local police personnel, supported by three units from Hela Province currently in Mt Hagen for training, to secure the area.

Their presence prevented opportunists from accessing the fire-damaged building, although five people were arrested for allegedly attempting to loot the premises.

The fire brigade arrived later, while local businessman Pat Duckworth provided three water trucks to assist in extinguishing the flames.

Some local youths also joined the emergency response, climbing onto the building's roof to help fight the fire.

Local youths were also seen on the rooftop assisting fire fighters to put the fire out from atop *(NBC News)*

Two Chinese nationals were rescued from the building before it collapsed internally.

No deaths were reported.

Speaking at the scene, Chief Superintendent Sagom said the fire could have caused further damage had it spread to the National Development Bank (NDB), which shares the building with the Green Leaf shop.

He said a substantial amount of money and goods had been lost in the blaze.

Sagom also raised concerns over the increasing number of fires involving buildings in Mt Hagen City, noting that many of the affected structures were old and required the attention of the relevant authorities.

He called on city residents, particularly those living in settlements surrounding Mt Hagen, to respect police operations and stay away from emergency scenes.

He warned that attempting to loot or interfere with emergency responders would only bring trouble rather than benefit those involved.

The National Development Bank will remain closed for the time being while PNG Power conducts inspections to determine whether electrical issues contributed to the incident and that it might affect NDB.

As investigations continue, the incident has raised concerns over building safety, emergency preparedness and public behaviour during disasters in Mt Hagen City.

And as for Chief Superintendent Sagom and the officers who secured the scene, the immediate priority was to protect lives, prevent looting and maintain order while the emergency response continued.