Mother Killed in Waiuku Crash Leaves Behind Three Young Children
Mother Killed in Waiuku Crash Leaves Behind Three Young Children
A tragic accident in Waiuku has left a community in mourning after a mother, her daughter, and her niece were killed in a fatal car crash. The incident has left behind three young children, including an eight-week-old baby, and has sparked a call for improved road safety measures in the area.
A Devastating Loss for a Family
Frances Latu-Vailea, her five-year-old daughter Oneahi Vailea, and her seven-year-old niece Marly Tulua were killed when their car left Masters Road and crashed into a culvert in a wetland area on Tuesday afternoon. The accident has left Latu-Vailea’s husband suddenly widowed and the sole caregiver for their three sons, aged eight weeks, two, and 12.
A fundraising page set up by the family has stated that the money raised will help her husband grieve without the burden of immediate financial pressures, such as mortgage and household bills. It will also provide essential support as he navigates caring for their young boys and processing an unimaginable loss.
The page also emphasized the need for support for Tulua’s family, who are mourning the loss of Marly, Frances, and Oneahi, while caring for their own young baby. “No words can ease the pain, but your kindness and support can help lighten the heavy load these families are carrying right now,” the page said.
A Mother and Public Servant
Frances Latu-Vailea worked as a court registry officer for the Family Court, primarily based at Pukekohe District Court. She worked in multiple locations, including North Shore, Manukau, and Papakura. The Ministry of Justice expressed deep sadness over her sudden death, with Chief Executive Andrew Kibblewhite stating that the tragedy would have a significant impact on many people.
Kibblewhite offered his deepest condolences to Latu-Vailea’s family and extended support to the wider Auckland community. “We are all thinking of Frances’ family, and our wider Auckland kaimahi, and offering our support during this very difficult time,” he said.
A Community in Shock
The Waiuku community has been deeply affected by the tragedy. Local resident Jennie Tapp described the incident as “pretty devastating” and noted that in a small town like Waiuku, most people know someone who knows the victims, or even know them personally.
Another resident, Inga Anja Noom, highlighted the dangerous nature of Masters Road, which has a bad reputation due to its narrow, bumpy, and winding nature. “It’s a horrible stretch of road and it’s not the first and it probably won’t be the last,” she said. Noom emphasized that the road becomes even more dangerous in wet weather, with creeks on either side often overflowing during winter.
Residents have called for the installation of speed cameras on Masters Road, similar to those on the main Waiuku-Pukekohe road. “We had a crash there two weeks ago, they walked away from that one. We had a death there last year and it won’t be the last,” Noom said. She believes that crashes will continue until motorists are given a reason to slow down.
Councillors from both the Waikato and Auckland regions have acknowledged the concerns about Masters Road and its role as a shortcut for drivers. However, they emphasized that it was too early to determine if the road was a factor in the crash. A report from the Serious Crash Unit and a subsequent coroner’s inquest will be needed before any conclusions can be drawn.
Despite these concerns, residents are urging authorities to take action to improve road safety on Masters Road. “If they’re going to do it on one side, they’ll probably have to do it the other,” Noom said, acknowledging the controversy but emphasizing the urgent need for change.
A Call for Change
As the community mourns the loss of Frances, Oneahi, and Marly, the tragedy has reignited calls for improved road safety measures on Masters Road. While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, the emotional and financial impact on the families involved has been profound. The fundraiser initiated by the community is a testament to the support and unity that have emerged in the wake of this devastating event.
In the face of such a tragedy, the voices of the Waiuku residents echo the need for action. “It’s heartbreaking,” said Noom. “But we can’t keep losing people on this road.”
