Tributes flow for Samoan farm worker Siu Manu killed in minibus crash near Mildura

The family of a Samoan farm worker killed in a horror minibus rollover near Mildura — one of two men killed in the accident — have described his death as “difficult and painful”.

A man killed in a horror bus rollover in northern Victoria has been identified as Samoan farm worker Siu Manu.

The Herald Sun understands Mr Manu was travelling on board a minibus with several workers when the bus rolled and hit a tree on Carwarp, near Mildura, on Tuesday morning.

Two passengers, including Mr Manu, died at the scene.

Mr Manu’s loved ones described his death as “difficult and painful”.

“We are blessed because of you brother. Rest in peace,” one loved one wrote on social media.

“I hope Father in heaven will comfort you and the children.”

Samoan farmer worker Siu Manu died in a minibus crash near Mildura. Picture: Supplied

Mr Manu, one of eight sibling, supported his family in Samoa

Mr Manu was one of eight siblings, with many still living in Samoa.

His brother Tuuinaifo Manu, who lives in Samoa, said Siu had worked to support their family for years after their father died when they were young.

“He is a very kind man,” he said.

“He’s the one who supported and helped my mother throughout, often paying our school bills.”

Tributes have flowed for Mr Manu. Picture: Supplied

The Herald Sun has obtained shocking footage of the devastating crash, which shows several distressed workers climbing from the mini bus’ wreckage.

One man can be heard speaking in a panicked voice.

Another man who suffered significant bleeding appears to be pinned inside the wreckage, with another lying unconscious on the ground.

“Talk to him, keep him warm,” a woman can be heard saying.

A man can be heard instructing the workers not to remove those from the mini bus who became stuck inside it during the crash.

The minibus is believed to have been trying to overtake another car when it crashed into a tree in Victoria’s northwest.

It was travelling south along the Calder Hwy in Carwarp, near Mildura, when it rolled on to its side and crashed into the tree on Tuesday morning.

Two passengers died at the scene, while nine other people on board were taken to hospital.

Speaking to media at the scene, Mildura Highway Patrol Unit Sergeant Mark McDonald said two people were in a critical condition with one passenger having been flown to The Alfred from the highway.

The other is at the Mildura Base Hospital but is likely to also be flown to Melbourne.

They’re both believed to be fighting for their lives.

“There are other occupants who do have serious injuries, as well, so it’s still early stages in relation to how bad they are,” Sgt McDonald said.

Police at the scene where two people died after a bus hit a tree. Picture: Stuart Kavanagh.

Sgt McDonald said it was believed the minibus was attempting to overtake another car when the driver lost control.

“It was quite a serious accident,” he said.

“It’s difficult to see why it’s happened.

“Obviously the weather’s fine, the road condition appears to be quite good, there’s no indication there were any animals involved so at this stage it’ll form part of the investigation.

“Obviously we’ll be speaking to the passengers and hopefully the driver, if he recovers well enough for us to speak to him, to try and determine exactly what happened.”

Sgt McDonald said it was too soon to say whether the driver or the 10 passengers were wearing seatbelts.

The driver of the car the bus is believed to have been overtaking stopped and was co-operating with police, along with other witnesses who had been travelling behind the bus.

Sgt McDonald said the major crash investigation unit was still en route to the scene and it was too early to determine whether speed, driver fatigue or alcohol were factors in the crash.

Police at the scene of a horror minibus crash in Carwarp. Picture: Stuart Kavanagh

Police are working to identify the passengers, with most believed to be farm workers from overseas, including from countries such as Samoa, Sgt McDonald said.

Police have begun attempting to inform next of kin but it is expected to be a lengthy process, he said.

Paramedics were called to the scene about 7.45am.

Paramedics have taken eight other patients, including the driver of the minibus, to Mildura Base Public Hospital.

A Victoria Police spokesman said police were working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The Calder Hwy remains closed between Kulkyne Way and Brownport Rd.

Investigations are ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, or with dashcam should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.