UPDATED 1.20pm – The Tongan community across New Zealand is in deep mourning after the tragic deaths of a mother and two children in a single-vehicle crash in Auckland’s Waiuku this afternoon.
Frances Latu-Vailea, known as Sesi, her daughter Oneahi Vailea, and her niece Marly Tulua were killed when the car they were in crashed on Masters Rd near Waiuku on Tuesday afternoon.
New Zealand Police were called to Masters Road around 3.30pm on Tuesday, 15, after reports that a car had left the road and entered a nearby body of water.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, all three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
“We acknowledge that this is tragic news for the tight-knit community in Waiuku,” the Police said.
Police have confirmed that next of kin have been notified and support services are being arranged.
The Serious Crash Unit is investigating the cause of the accident, it said.
Masters Road, between Waiuku and Kidd Roads, will remain closed for an extended period.
The news has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Tongan diaspora, with an outpouring of grief on social media.
While the relatives and friends have shared photos and names of the victims on social media, the police stated they would officially provide their identities “in due course.”
Heartbreaking tributes and photos of the victims have been shared widely on Facebook, as friends and relatives struggle to come to terms with the loss.
A commenter wrote: “This is the most heartbreaking post on fb I have made since the day of my Fathers passing in 2021.”
“Condolences to all. May you all rest in peace,” another wrote.
“Sesi Vailea why go so soon?”
