17 die in head-on truck crash in PNG

PORT MORESBY - A horrific head-on truck crash in Papua New Guinea has killed 17 people.

In what local media described as PNG's worst-ever road accident, two passenger trucks collided near Bereina in Central Province, about 100km west of the capital Port Moresby.

Fourteen passengers and the two drivers died instantly in the accident on Saturday afternoon, and a young boy died later from severe internal injuries at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH).

PNG's The National newspaper reports the survivors remain in hospital, some with life-threatening injuries and others suffering broken arms and legs.

One passenger truck was heading to neighbouring Gulf Province, while the other truck was heading for Port Moresby.

The vehicles were reportedly carrying 28 passengers each, many of whom were sleeping at the time of the crash.

The Hiritano Highway Police Patrol told the National the truck travelling to Port Moresby had cut a corner and crossed into the oncoming vehicle's lane.

Relatives of victims gathered at the PMGH as news spread through the capital.

People were wailing in a mass outpouring of grief in the hospital grounds as relatives identified the dead.

- AAP