Molasses tank tragedy: Two brothers die in workplace incident

TWO brothers who died in a tragic workplace incident inside a molasses tank have been described as “top blokes’’.

George Vella died alongside his brother Frank in a molasses tank.

TWO brothers who died at the weekend in a tragic workplace incident inside a molasses tank have been described as “top blokes.’’

Long-time Sarina locals, Frank Vella, 52, and George Vella, 48, were found dead by police about 8.30pm on Saturday inside a transportation tank at Vella Haulage Sarina business, south of Mackay.

It is believed the tank had been used to carry molasses and a fertiliser called ‘dunder’ from Wilmar Sugar.

A Queensland Police media spokesperson said initial investigations suggested the men had been affected by fumes.

George Vella was killed in a workplace incident.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, who are now investigating, would not comment on possible lines of inquiry, but a spokesman said emergency services had been contacted after water was seen coming from the tank.

Greg Keating, who lives down the road from the Vella property, said he was also a member of the “dunder gang’’.

“I know the fumes and that they are bad but not this bad. I don’t know how this had happened,” he said.

The Mackay community was yesterday struggling to come to grips with the death of the well-known and respected members of the community.

Friends and associates of the brothers said they were shocked by the news.

George’s former employer and friend Angelo Sorbello, who runs Mackay Haulage, said he was one of the best drivers and managers he had.

“George was also the best fellow I know,” he said.

“George came to us a young man and worked for us for many years until he bought his own trucks and started Vella Haulage.

“I still can’t believe it. I saw him just last Thursday.”

George Vella was known as a strong supporter of the local community, and just last week posted a photo to Facebook of his truck laden with hay bales heading for farmers struggling in the drought.

“Giving some relief to the drought Farmers with Aussie Helpers,” he wrote.

Frank Vella was described by friend Kevin Keating as a “top bloke” and a man who loved his trucks.

Mr Keating said he received a call from Frank to catch up last Friday night but couldn’t attend because he had family in town. He said yesterday that he wished he had attended.

“We always said we needed to do our trips more often because you don’t live forever,” he said.

“It’s just hard to realise that this had happened.”

RSL Sarina Branch president Ron Gurnett knew the whole family. “Everyone did, he said.

“Frank was a quiet bloke but had a funny sense of humour. He would come out with some hilarious stuff, sometimes,” he said.

“George would do anything for the community. They’re very nice people who would give you the shirt off their back without questioning it.”

Mackay councillor Martin Bella said the deaths of the two brothers ‘‘will affect the whole community.’’

Wilmar Sugar were notified on yesterday morning. The company confirmed that Wilmar AgServices was one of Vella Transport’s customers but did not want to comment further on what may have happened.

“Our thoughts and prayers go to the family and friends of the two men during this very sad time,” a Wilmar spokeswoman said.