Horror SH2 crash sparks tragic memories for coolstore

Aongatete Coolstores managing director Allan Dawson says tragedies like Tuesday's SH2 crash near Matatā bring "it all back" after the operation lost five well-loved workers in a crash three years ago. Photo / File

The manager of a Bay of Plenty packhouse which lost five well-loved workers in a State Highway 2 crash says Tuesday's tragedy near Matatā has brought "it all back".

Allan Dawson is the managing director of Aongatete Coolstores, near Katikati, where Halani Fine, Koli Vaipulu, Sitiveni Vaipulu, Sione Teulaka, and Samuela Taukatelata were killed in a 2016 crash.

The men had been in a car together, leaving work for the day when it was in a collision with a large truck travelling along the highway.

Dawson said hearing the news of a multiple-fatality was poignant and a reminder for all his staff.

"You re-live it."

A lot of the Tongan staff were getting ready for packing season now and many frequently visited the memorial at the packhouse for the five workers who lost their lives, he said.

A large portion of the Tongan staff and new ones coming over were friends or relatives of those who were tragically killed in 2016.