Australian trekkers attacked in Papua New Guinea
A group of Australian and New Zealander trekkers have been attacked while on the Black Cat Track in Papua New Guinea.
Daniel King, husband of trek leader Christie King, told AAP the group of eight Australians, one New Zealander and a group of 15 local porters were attacked by bandits at about 3.30pm on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed the attack which resulted in the deaths of two PNG nationals who were porters for the group.
It's believed they were attacked by a group armed with swords and knives.
The Australians do not have life threatening injuries and received medical treatment on arrival in Wau late last night. They are from NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
"Everything's ok, in terms of the group," Mr King said.
"A few of them have cuts and bruises and stitches. We have a plan now to get them out this afternoon."
"They were about six hours out. They were at their first camp when the incident happened, and they had to walk with injuries."
Stanley Komunt from the Morobe Mining Joint Venture told the ABC that the group were attacked by about three or four people in darkness carrying bush knives, a pop gun and perhaps a rifle.
"They just took their stuff and chopped up these porters and it was all happening so fast and they were confused as well."
After the attack the Australians and the New Zealander decided to leave the porters and seek help, heading in the same direction as their fleeing attackers.
Helicopters are being sent to pick up the deceased porters.
They will receive consular assistance when they return to Port Moresby.
The Black Cat track is considered the second track to Kokoda in Papua New Guinea.
The advice for Australians travelling to PNG is to exercise a high level of caution due to incidents of serious crime in the region.
Foreign Affairs recommends trekkers avoid the Black Cat Track until investigations have been completed however there is no change of advice for those on other popular trails in PNG.
Mr King says attacks are very rare.
"It hurts the whole trekking industry in the country," he said.
The Black Cat Track was the scene of bitter fighting between Australian and US troops and Japanese forces in 1943. It is regarded as one of the most arduous walks in PNG.
Earlier this year, then home affairs minister Jason Clare and coalition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison walked the track, accompanied by a pair of wounded soldiers.
