Four Seasonal Workers from Pacific Islands Killed in Tragic Rental Car Crash

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Four men tragically lost their lives in a devastating rental car crash in the Piries region near Mansfield, northwest Victoria. The victims have been identified as seasonal agricultural workers from the Pacific Islands: David Gasologa, Alesana Anitelea, Aperaamo Tapelu Filemu Aleka, and Darrick Amouta Peleti. The incident occurred early Sunday morning when their Kia Carnival collided with a tree and burst into flames.

Authorities believe that the four men had been returning to Mansfield from a friend’s house in nearby Macs Cove and may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir stated, “We believe they consumed alcohol and jumped back in the car and driven back towards the house that they live and the collision has occurred.”

Emergency services received a distress call from a motorist at around 7:45 am, reporting a car on fire on Mansfield-Woods Point Road. It is believed that the driver lost control of the vehicle, veered off the road, and collided with a tree, resulting in the car becoming engulfed in flames.

David Gasologa, a Samoan who had recently gotten engaged, was one of the victims of this tragic crash. His devastated sister described him as “quite humble and everyone’s favorite.” Alesana Anitelea, also from Samoa, had only been in Australia for four months before the accident. His sister-in-law from Sydney, Ameliah Iosefo Faumui, paid tribute to him, saying, “Thanks for everything you have done to my family. We love you and we will always remember you in our hearts. Rest in love, dearest bro, Alesana.”

The scene of the accident was described as “confronting” for passersby who were the first on the scene. Commissioner Weir expressed his sympathy and acknowledged the emotional toll it took on those involved in responding to the incident. He also highlighted the need for increased safety awareness among drivers, given the alarming number of road fatalities in Victoria this year. With 258 deaths already recorded in 2023, surpassing last year’s figure of 240, police have called for an emergency meeting with government authorities to address this concerning trend.

The loss of these four men has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly within the agricultural sector where they were employed as seasonal workers. Their tragic deaths serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from impaired driving. As the investigation into the crash continues, it is hoped that lessons can be learned and measures implemented to prevent further loss of life on Victoria’s roads..