Bay of Plenty Police can now name the five men killed in a crash on State Highway 2, Tauranga yesterday. All their next of kin have now been advised.
They were Halani Fine, 28; Uloupini (also known as Stephen) Vaipulu, 44, and his son, Koli Vaipulu, 21; along with Sione Teulaka, 21, and Samuela Taukatelata, 28. All were of Tongan descent.
Mr Fine, a New Zealand resident, of Katikati, was the driver. The crash occurred about 8.10pm yesterday as the car the group were travelling in was struck by a truck while turning onto SH2 at Dawson’s Road.
Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander Clifford Paxton said the crash was a tragedy for the men and their families, with the driver of the truck also being offered appropriate support.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the families of all five men, including the Vaipulu family, who have lost two loved family members in this tragic crash. The driver of the truck was also left badly shaken and is being offered appropriate support.”
Mr Paxton said Police were continuing to liaise with the mens’ families in both New Zealand and Tonga, with the assistance of the Tongan consulate. The Police investigation into the crash was continuing, he said.
“We are also very mindful of other families who have lost loved ones in crashes in other parts of the country since Monday night, and encourage all drivers to please take care and drive to the conditions, as we don’t want to see anyone else needlessly lose their lives on our roads.”
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre