Five Tongan men killed in New Zealand road crash

Five Tongan men working in New Zealand have died in a car crash near the eastern North Island of Katikati, it was reported Wednesday.

The men were all travelling in a car that turned into the path of an oncoming truck and trailer late on Tuesday, according to a statement from the New Zealand Police.

New Zealand Minister for Pacific Peoples Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga on Wednesday offered his condolences to the families and co-workers of the men.

Four of the men were in New Zealand as part of the seasonal workers program for people from Pacific island nation.

"They were all here working hard to support their families back home," Lotu-Iiga said in a statement.

"They had been here only a few months and were travelling home from work with another Tongan co-worker. This tragic accident will hit their families and the whole Tongan community extremely hard," he said.

"This is a tragedy for everyone concerned. My prayers and sympathies are with the families and friends of these five men and we offer any support we can at this difficult time."

Radio New Zealand reported that the Wesleyan Church of Tonga had named the men as Sitiveni Vaipulu and his son Koli Vaipulu, Samuela Taukatelata, Halani Fine and Sione Taulaka. Endit