Gone too soon: A mother, her daughter, and niece killed in Waiuku crash

A tragic car crash in Waiuku, on the outskirts of Auckland, has left a community in shock. The lives of Frances Latu-Vailea, her daughter ‘Oneahi, and her niece Marly were cut short in a devastating accident that occurred on Tuesday afternoon under wild weather conditions.

Local grief and a nation mourning

The crash, which took place on Masters Rd near the Awaroa Stream, has sent shockwaves through the Franklin district and the wider Tongan community in Aotearoa. The victims, who were 5 and 7 years old, have become the subject of heartfelt tributes from friends, family, and colleagues.

Frances Latu-Vailea’s colleagues expressed their sorrow in a powerful tribute, writing: “Rest in love till that glorious morning.” The emotional toll on the families is immense, with many struggling to come to terms with the sudden and tragic loss of their loved ones.

A harrowing scene at the crash site

Witnesses described the harrowing moments of the crash. Billy McLean, who lives near the site, heard the strange noise of the car colliding with a culvert and becoming airborne. He rushed to the scene, where he found the vehicle partially submerged in mud, with the doors locked and the car upside down.

McLean recounted the heart-wrenching details: “There was absolutely no way that that car was going to open. There’s not a hundred gorillas that could have torn the doors off that car.” He tried in vain to free the victims, but the car was firmly stuck in the mud and sludge of the Awaroa Stream.

A community comes together

Floral tributes have since filled the crash site, a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the deep grief felt by all who knew them. The community has rallied around the families, offering support and solidarity in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

The crash has once again highlighted the dangers of driving in extreme weather conditions. Authorities have urged drivers to remain cautious and to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather.

As the community mourns, the legacy of Frances, ‘Oneahi, and Marly will live on in the hearts of those who loved them. Their lives, though tragically cut short, will not be forgotten.