By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
An Australian Tourist died along the Kokoda track in the midst of a heated argument between the Trekking Company and the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA), Central Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Midi says.
Midi said yesterday that the late Trekker died about two days into the tracking near Ioribaiwa village in Hiri District after starting off from Owes corner last week. “There is a conflict between KTA and the Trekking Company that brought the late Trekker here to walk the historical 96km Second World War track between Owes corner in Central Province and Kokoda station in Northern Province .But that is their own internal issue . We police are only concern only on doing our duties to maintain law and order along the track. ”
Meanwhile Adventure Kokoda Trekking Company Owner Charlie Lyn said that the death of his late Trekker has nothing to do with his conflict between him and KTA.
“This is an isolated issue.”
Mr Lyn said the late Trekker was been in the trekking team which the Team leader has 39 years trekking experience in PNG; and 36 years as an Ambulance Victoria Paramedic; currently working part-time as a Retired Paramedic in Melbourne. “On Sunday, 16 April 2023, the second day of this Adventure Kokoda trek from Goodwater to Ofi Creek, the Team Leader caught up with the late Trekker at the last water in Ua-Ule Creek before walking up to Ioribaiwa guest house, about an hour away. As he passed the late trekker, he noticed he was breathing rapidly.
Lyn said that the Team Leader and the concern local carriers helped him but unfortunately he died. A helicopter was called in and he was med evacuated to Pacific International Hospital in Port Moresby.