One man is dead following a car accident outside Madang, with police suspecting alcohol may have played a role. The fatal crash has sparked fresh warnings for motorists to be cautious as election-related travel, picks- up. The accident occurred just after midday on Wednesday, June 12, near Alemo Junction on the Bruce Jeff Cott Highway, around 21 kilometres from Madang. The vehicle, a brown Toyota Landcruiser from Madang Office Suppliers, was returning from Walium with four people on board when it ran off the road. Police say the driver tried to overtake another vehicle but lost control while merging back, causing the vehicle to plunge into a drain. A male passenger, identified as 40-year-old Lepai Pauli of Kupalis village in Enga Province, reportedly jumped from the moving car and died instantly. His body was taken to Madang Provincial Hospital. The others were unharmed. Empty beer cans found at the scene suggested that the crash was alcohol related. Acting Provincial Police Commander Robert Baim said the incident highlights the danger of drinking and driving, especially during busy election movements. "Please prioritize safety. Don’t drive under the influence or overload vehicles," he urged. An investigation into the crash is ongoing.