The Government of Tonga has expressed its deepest condolences to the family and friends of 5 victims who were killed in a fatal road accident in a crash in Tauranga, New Zealand.
A statement said the Government will provide assistance and support with facilitating repatriation of the victims and also RSE workers and employers who are affected by the tragic incident.
Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander Clifford Paxton said police are continuing to communicate with the victims’ families in both New Zealand and Tonga with the assistance of Tongan embassy.
Assistance has been offered in a coordinated effort between Tongan Government, New Zealand Government, Employers, RSE workers and the local community.
New Zealand immigration office in Tonga have kindly offered assistance to speed up any visa processing of any members from Tonga to visit their loved ones and accompany the bodies back to Tonga.
The accident took place at about 8.10 pm on Tuesday as the car the group were travelling in collided with a truck while turning onto SH2 at Dawson’s Road.
The victims are father and son Koli Vaipulu (son aged 21) and Uloupini Vaipulu (father aged 44), Halani Fine (driver aged 28), Sione Teulaka (aged 21), and Samuela Taukatelata (aged 28).
Five coolstore workers killed in a horror crash between a car and truck on SH2 have been warmly remembered by their grief-stricken friends and co-workers. Photo/John Borren