Samoan seasonal workers who were due to return to their families this week were involved in a fatal crash in New Zealand with three killed on impact and three others hospitalised.

Families and friends of the seasonal workers have identified the deceased as Taavao Kelemete, Uili Faaofo and Leauga Jerry Leauga who were preparing to head back home.  

Counties Manukau Road Policing Manager, Inspector Tony Wakelin told New Zealand media in a press conference on Tuesday that those who died in the Southern Motorway were aged 47, 37, and 32. 

A 21-year-old remained in a critical condition in hospital and two others were also being treated for injuries sustained from the crash. 

He confirmed the three deceased were Samoan seasonal workers who were travelling in the van together with three other colleagues. 

Wakelin said initial indication suggested the tyre blew out in a truck travelling South-bound and is suspected to have caused the accident. It crossed the median into the northbound lane, colliding with a van and two other cars.

It was not possible to obtain a comment from the Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai who is also responsible for the Labour and Employment Export Program (LEEP). 

In June this year, another car crash in Victoria Australia also resulted in the death of two Samoan seasonal workers. 

In November last year, four other Samoans died in a freak accident in Melbourne Australia adding to the list of the many seasonal workers who left home to help families and sadly returned home in coffins.