Fa’aofo Uili Fa’aofo, a proud uncle, was killed alongside his nephews, Leauga Jerry Leauga and Ta’avao Kelemete in a horrific State Highway 1 crash in Ramarama, Auckland, on Monday afternoon.
Initial indications suggest a truck travelling southbound suffered a tyre blowout. Which caused them to cross through barrier wires and into the northbound lanes.
Truck collided with the van carrying the seasonal workers and two other cars.
Fa’aofo had offered to pick up the seasonal workers from the Bay of Plenty. their contract under the Recognised Seasonal Employment scheme ended.
The group also included Leauga’s younger brother, aged 21, who is fighting for his life in hospital.
Families are still in shock and disbelief at the news they have lost three members of their extended aiga. Uili Fa’aofo has been described as a dedicated brother to them and their respective children.
All three men killed were raised in the village of Sili, on the big island of Savaii, where many of their family members remain.
The aunt described harrowing scenes after the bad news was given to both sisters in Samoa. One of the women was rushed to hospital after fainting. They are the kind of sisters who would do anything for their brother.
Police earlier gave an update on the condition of the three men who survived the crash and remain in hospital.
The 21-year-old remains in a critical condition. Two others, aged 42 and 39, also remain in hospital with moderate injuries.
Two other people in different vehicles caught up in the crash have been treated for minor injuries.
Immigration New Zealand national manager Pacific, Loua Ward, said its thoughts and condolences go out to the families.
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