Papua New Guinea's Deputy Prime Minister has died after a motor vehicle accident in the north of the Pacific nation, delaying the country's 2022 general election.
Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil was taken to hospital, along with three other injured people, after an accident on the road between the northern cities of Lae and Bulolo on Wednesday evening.
Hospital workers tried to revive Mr Basil for several hours but he died late that night.
"It is with great sadness that I wish to, regrettably, inform the Prime Minister, and the country, of the death of our Deputy Prime Minister Honourable Sam Basil following severe injuries he sustained in a vehicle accident," police commissioner David Manning said in a statement.
"I wish to also express my condolences to the family of the late Mr Basil and [to] the people of Bulolo."
Police are investigating the accident. They say a second vehicle was involved and that vehicle's driver is known.
"I appeal to any eye-witnesses to the incident to come forward to assist investigators in their investigations," Mr Manning said.
"The investigation will tell us what happened, so I am appealing for calm during this time, to allow the course of the investigation to be completed in a timely manner."
The late deputy, who was also transport minister, was first elected as an MP in 2007 and had stints as opposition leader in 2016 and treasurer in PNG Prime Minister James Marape's first cabinet in 2019.
PNG Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai said the issue of writs has been delayed by a week to May 19, pushing back the opening of polls to July 16.
Deputy leader dies on eve of election nominations
Prime Minister James Marape said Mr Basil's death was a "big loss" for the United Labour Party, and the country.
"He was a strong member of our present generation of leaders in Government," Mr Marape said in a statement.
"This young and vibrant leader had been preparing his United Labour Party well for the elections only to have this tragic accident happen on the eve of nominations."
Mr Marape credited Mr Basil for resurrecting the ruling Pangu Pati (party) in 2014, which Mr Marape leads.
"The one-man party became two in 2015 when the late Goilala MP, Honourable William Samb, joined Honourable Basil to revive this great PNG institution," he said.
"Honourable Basil led Pangu into the 2017 General Election winning six seats in Morobe and others around the country, bringing it back to life for - something for which we the present Pangu are indebted to."
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Foreign Minister Marise Payne and International Development and Pacific Minister Zed Seselja released a joint statement on Thursday evening paying tribute to Mr Basil.
"Australia remembers and honours Mr Basil with the deepest respect for his contribution to his country, and for his contribution to building lasting friendship and understanding between Australia and Papua New Guinea," the statement said.
Mr Marape said his late deputy would be given a state funeral.
