Givealittle page set up for families of Auckland crash victims

A Give-A-Little page has been set up to help the families of the three Sāmoan seasonal workers who died on Monday near Ramarama.

Counties Manukau Road Policing Manager Inspector Tony Wakelin said emergency services were called to the crash with initial indications suggesting the truck, travelling southbound, had a tyre blow out.

The truck then crossed the median into the northbound lane, colliding with a van, carrying the Recognised Seasonal Employment (RSE) Scheme workers, and two other vehicles, Wakelin said in a statement.

Several people were injured with a relative of the deceased reportedly fighting for his life in hospital.

Sāmoan media reported that the group had been on their way to Auckland, from the Bay of Plenty, ahead of a flight back to Samoa this week.

While police said they were trying to identify the dead men, the New Zealand Herald reported that the deceased included Fa'aofo Uili Fa'aofo, 45, and his nephews, Leauga Jerry Leauga, 37, and Ta'avao Kelemete, 32.

South Auckland community leader Li'amanaia Lorenzo Kaisara set up the Givealittle page and said the money would be donated to the families to help with funeral service expenses.

He told PMN News that he had been "given the okay" by the men's families to set up the page.

He added that the families and community at large were grateful for the support that had been offered by the New Zealand public.

“I felt the connection, you know, when I saw the action, when I saw the devastating news, I automatically felt the connection to the brothers who have been killed," Li'amanaia said.

"I also reached out to the families in Sāmoa to get permission for me to do something like this.”

Li'amanaia said the grief-stricken families "need to be supported".

Photo/RNZ

“You don't have to have any blood relation to any Sāmoans or any Pasifika for you to stand up and do something to support the families."

More than $30,000 has been received, and the crowdfunding page will continue until 3 September.

Wakelin said the 21-year-old male, who was taken to the hospital, is in critical condition while two others, aged 42 and 39, suffered moderate injuries.

He said the occupants in the other two vehicles have been treated with minor injuries.

The truck driver was treated for minor injuries and discharged from the hospital.

Wakelin added his sympathies to the families of the deceased.

“On behalf of the Police, I want to extend our sincere sympathies to the families and friends of those who have been caught up in this dreadful event."

Link to the donation page: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/gift-for-families-of-samoan-rse-workers?ref=home&ref_code=trending

Photo/RNZ