A Tragedy in Waiuku: A Mother, Her Daughter, and Niece Lost in a Fatal Crash

A heartbreaking crash in Waiuku on Tuesday afternoon claimed the lives of a young mother and her two young relatives, sending shockwaves through the local community. Frances (Sesi) Latu-Vailea, her 6-year-old daughter Oneahi Vailea, and her 8-year-old niece Marly Tulua were killed in the accident, which occurred on Masters Rd. All three were found dead at the scene, leaving behind a grieving family and a tightly knit community struggling to process the loss.

According to reports, the trio were on their way home from picking up the children from school when the tragedy occurred. Latu-Vailea, a 27-year-old mother of three, including an 8-week-old baby, was described by a family member as a devoted mother who would do anything for her children. She was a registrar at the South Auckland courts and was known to be a passionate supporter of the Mate Ma’a Tonga rugby league team.

Her husband, Amanaki Vailea, is now the sole caregiver for their children, and the emotional burden has been immense. However, the community has rallied around the grieving family, with a Givealittle fundraising page set up to support the two families raising over $30,000 in just a few days. A family member described Amanaki as being "overwhelmed" by the outpouring of support, as well as the swift actions of first responders and the man who first discovered the wreckage.

"You just go straight into f***ing-do-something mode": Neighbour's First-Hand Account
Billy McLean, the first person to arrive on the scene, described the moment he saw the car flipped upside down, partially submerged in water. He initially thought a truck had dropped something, but upon closer inspection, he realized the severity of the situation. He found the car's door handle and immediately began helping to free the trapped individuals. McLean said the car had hit a culvert and flipped over before plunging into the water. He noted that the crash was unusually quiet, suggesting the car was not speeding.

Community in Shock, Emergency Services Pay Tribute
Inspector Jared Pirret of the Counties Manukau South Area Command described the crash as a "confronting scene" and praised the professionalism of the emergency services who worked together to carry out a rescue operation. Franklin ward councillor Andy Baker, who represents the local area, said the community was in "shock" and that the local emergency services, many of whom are volunteers, were reeling from the tragedy.

The family of Marly Tulua has requested complete privacy at this difficult time, while the family of Oneahi Vailea described her as a bubbly and happy child who loved dinosaurs, singing, and dancing. Her first term of school had just begun, and her loss has left the community heartbroken.

As the community continues to support the grieving families, the incident has sparked conversations about road safety and the need for continued efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future. The local community has come together in a powerful display of solidarity, proving that in times of crisis, the strength of a community can be a source of comfort and healing for those left behind.