The Katikati and Tongan communities are gathered last night to mourn the loss of five of their own who died after a horrific crash on Tuesday night.

A special service is underway at the Katikati Christian Centre to remember the lives of father and son, Koli Vaipulu (son), 21, and Uloupini (Stephen) Vaipulu (father), 44, Sione Teulaka, 21, Samuela Taukatelata, 28 and Halani Fine, 28.

Five men lost their lives in a crash on State Highway 2, Aongatete, on Tuesday.

All were employed at Aongatete Coolstores, four as part of the Recognised Seasonal Workers (RSE) programme working to support their families back home.

Katikati Community Board chairman Sam Dunlop told SunLive the men are well known and respected in Katikati and the community feels their loss intently and extends its sympathies to their families and friends.

'The RSE workers and our permanent Tongan residents are a vital part of our community, contributing both economically and at all levels including through schools, churches, the fire brigade, and sports teams.

'Everyone I have spoken to in our community in the last few days has expressed concern and sadness at the tragedy.”

Sam says in his role as chairman of the community board he has also been in touch with the trucking company whose driver was involved in the accident, to express his concern for her welfare.

'I believe she is a victim in this tragedy too and wanted to wish her well. We all know that even the smallest mistake on that highway can have tragic consequences.”

Hundreds of people gathered in Katikati lastnight to mourn the loss of five Tongan men killed in a crash on Tuesday. Photo: Elaine Fisher.

Katikati Police Sergeant Steve Hindmarsh says the crash has affected so many people from family and friends, to those who witnessed or attended the incident.

'Our thoughts go out to the Tongan community and the family and friends of the five men killed in the tragic car crash. Senior Constable John Fitzgerald attended from Katikati as did numerous Tauranga Police staff as well as fire and ambulance.

'These are the jobs police and emergency services dread attending.

'This stretch of road is extremely busy now and minor mistakes can end in tragic results as we have seen time and time again. Once again I urge people to take their time and be patient on our roads,” says Steve.

'We have more Police Highway patrol units patrolling the highway than ever before but they can't be everywhere.”