A diplomatic visit by Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape took a distressing turn when a young child was involved in an accident with a vehicle from his official convoy in Canberra.
Incident During High-Profile Visit
The unfortunate event occurred on Thursday afternoon as Prime Minister Marape was participating in a traditional Prime Minister's XIII rugby league event. A vehicle from the official motorcade reportedly made contact with a child near the team hotel in the Australian capital.
Emergency Response Activated
Emergency services responded immediately to the scene, with ACT Ambulance Service confirming they treated a paediatric patient at the location. "We were called to a public place for a paediatric patient following a collision with a vehicle," a spokesperson stated.
The child received prompt medical attention and was transported to hospital for further assessment and treatment. Authorities have not disclosed the current condition of the child or specific details about the nature of injuries sustained.
Official Statements and Investigation
The Australian Federal Police acknowledged the incident, confirming their attendance and noting that the matter is currently under investigation. A spokesperson indicated that "inquiries are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the accident."
Prime Minister Marape's office has been made aware of the situation, though official comments from the Papua New Guinea delegation have been limited as the investigation continues.
Context of the Visit
The incident occurred during a significant diplomatic visit, with Prime Minister Marape in Australia for both sporting and political engagements. The Prime Minister's XIII event traditionally serves as a bridge between sporting diplomacy and formal political relations between the two nations.
This development adds an unexpected dimension to what was intended to be a celebration of the strong ties between Australia and Papua New Guinea, particularly following recent high-level diplomatic engagements between the two countries.
