Plane crash in Papua New Guinea
31 August 2010
On the evening of Tuesday 31 August the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby was advised a Transair charter plane, carrying three Australians and two New Zealand citizens, had crashed on Misima Island in the south eastern archipelago of Papua New Guinea.
Misima Island, in Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province, is about 500 kilometres southeast of Port Moresby.
It is with deep regret that I advise Transair has confirmed that four of those on board, including three Australians and one New Zealand citizen, have died.
One of the New Zealanders, who is also an Australian permanent resident survived the accident. He received heavy bruising but is conscious and able to talk.
Details of the crash itself are still emerging. Reports indicate that the aircraft overshot the Misima runway.
Australian officials will travel to Misima Island at the earliest opportunity on 1 September to provide assistance on the ground.
Consular officers in Port Moresby and Canberra are working with the airline company and local authorities to contact the families of those affected by the crash. The Government is also in contact with the New Zealand Government.
Media inquiries
- Minister's Office: (02) 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555