Papua New Guinea's government has declared a state of emergency in Southern Highlands province after supporters of losing candidates in the regional election went on a rampage.
Police say it was yesterday's court decision to dismiss a petition against the provincial governor William Powi's 2017 election win which sparked unrest.
Speaking from Mendi, RNZ Pacific reporter Melvin Levongo, says police were outnumbered and unable to stop a mob armed with high-powered weapons destroying an Air Niugini Dash-8 aircraft at the provincial airport.
The fire at Mendi Airport. Photo: Twitter/ @MartynNamorong
