A 38-year-old man was killed and his wife seriously injured after their motorcycle was struck by a speeding vehicle allegedly driven by a member of the Pa-O National Organization (PNO) militia in Hsihseng Township, according to witnesses.

The collision occurred at around 5:00 p.m. on July 20 between Samhseng and Kawng Mu villages as the couple was returning home from their plantation. A 40-year-old eyewitness said the driver, who was wearing a PNO uniform, appeared to be intoxicated.

“It was a high-end car, and the driver was wearing a PNO uniform. You could smell alcohol on him. Because the car was traveling at high speed, both the husband and wife were thrown into the air. The husband died instantly, while the wife was taken to Sao San Tun Hospital in Taunggyi with serious injuries,” the witness told SHAN.

The man who died was identified as 38-year-old Sai Gyi. His 35-year-old wife remains hospitalized with serious injuries. The couple lived in Hpaikun Village, Bangyin Village Tract, Hsihseng Township, and are survived by three school-aged children.

Residents said the militia officer has not been arrested following the fatal crash, and that the family has received neither compensation nor financial assistance.

“Since he’s a PNO officer, he won’t be arrested. The husband has died, and the wife is still in the hospital, but no one has come forward to help with funeral or medical expenses,” said Khun Myo, a local resident familiar with the incident.

Witnesses said fellow militia members arrived at the scene shortly after the collision and removed the driver before authorities took any action.

“The three children are all still in school, and they need support right now. They’re very young. At the moment, villagers are pooling their money to help take care of them,” Khun Myo added.

Residents said Hsihseng Township is heavily militarized and home to two factions operating under the PNO banner: the Hsaikhkawng Pa-O People’s Militia and the Nawngmun Pa-O People’s Militia. Locals believe the driver belonged to the Hsaikhkawng faction, whose members they say often operate with impunity.