Hours before the Issue of Writs for the 2022 General Elections, Deputy Prime Minister, Sam Basil passed away last night, following a nasty car accident along the Bulolo Highway in Morobe Province.

He was also serving as the Transport and Infrastructure Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Bulolo Electorate. He was also leading a major United Labour Party into the elections until his passing.

His passing brings the number of deaths in MPs during this term of Parliament to eight.

He was in company of two close protection officers (policemen) and a media officer when the accident happened.

Accordiing to brief police reports, the vehicle which late Basil being on board, was hit by another vehicle leaving him unconcious until he passed away in Bulolo Hospital.

Ground sources say a local medical team was working hard to resustitate him upon his admission at the local hospital.

In a report filed by journalist, Rachel Shisei says:  “A doctor was also travelling with the Manalos Aviation team to Medivac Mr. Basil to Lae, but the mission was unsuccessful as he was pronounced dead upon arrival.”

The story is still developing.