A violent early-morning brawl involving at least 20 tradies at a Sydney construction site has gone viral, prompting Tongan communities to speak out about similar incidents they’ve encountered before.
The chaotic fight, captured in footage circulating on social media, shows workers in high-vis gear throwing punches, kicks, and even using hard hats as weapons outside Meriton’s Castle Grange construction site in Crest Hill.
One worker was repeatedly struck in the head with a hard hat as onlookers filmed the clash.
The construction company has confirmed that every worker involved in the brawl has been fired.
NSW Police were called to Sexton Ave around 7am on Tuesday, but said most of the brawlers had dispersed by the time officers arrived.
“Officers have been informed that the brawl involved two apparent groups wearing hi-vis clothing and construction attire,” police said in a statement.
A 43-year-old man and a 55-year-old man were treated by paramedics for minor injuries before being taken to Westmead Hospital.
Tongan Communities React: “We’ve Seen This Before”
As the footage spread online, members of Tongan online communities expressed concern, sharing stories of similar violent incidents they’ve witnessed or experienced in the past.
Some warned that tensions among workers, particularly in labour-intensive industries, can escalate quickly if not addressed.
“It’s not the first time we’ve seen fights like this,” a commenter wrote in Tongan. “Sometimes it’s over work disputes, sometimes cultural misunderstandings—but it always ends badly.”
Authorities have not confirmed whether cultural tensions played a role in this incident, but investigations are ongoing.
What Sparked the Violence?
The exact cause of the brawl remains unclear, with witnesses giving conflicting accounts.
Some claim it was a personal dispute, while others suggest it may have been work-related.
Workplace safety advocates have called for better conflict resolution measures on construction sites to prevent such outbreaks.
Police are urging anyone with information or additional footage to come forward as they piece together the events leading up to the brawl.
