Tragedy on WA’s South West Roads: Two Pacific Island Farm Workers Dead, One Critical in Horror Crash
- TWO Pacific Island farm workers have lost their lives in a devastating road crash on the outskirts of Manjimup, 300km south of Perth.
- A third worker is fighting for his life in hospital with critical injuries, leaving a small rural community reeling in shock.
- The men were part of the Pacific Island Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM), which has raised concerns about the safety of foreign workers on Australian roads.
- This latest tragedy brings the South West road toll to over 16 deaths since the start of 2026, sparking calls for urgent action to improve road safety.
The rural community of Manjimup is in mourning after a horrific car crash claimed the lives of two Pacific Island farm workers and left another critically injured.
The men, who were in Australia as part of the federal Pacific Island Labour Mobility scheme, were driving along the South Western Highway in the locality of Middlesex when their vehicle left the road on Friday night.
Emergency services were called to the scene just after 10pm, but sadly, the driver and one passenger could not be saved. A third occupant was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital with life-threatening injuries and later transferred to Fiona Stanley Hospital.
Police are currently investigating the incident, which has sent shockwaves through the small community.
The tragedy has highlighted the significant contribution Pacific Island workers make to the region’s agricultural industry. Shire of Manjimup President Donelle Buegge said the workers were an integral part of the local economy, particularly during peak harvest time.
“Without these people, we would not be able to harvest the produce that we have in this area, from avocados to strawberries, blueberries. They are incredibly important to us,” she said.
However, the incident also raises concerns about the safety of PALM workers on Australian roads. In 2024, it was reported that PALM workers were six times more likely to die on Australia’s roads.
Ms Buegge acknowledged the concerns but said local contractors worked to ensure the workers were well supported.
“The contractors that work with these people, with the workers, they are very conscious of making sure that they’re aware of our traffic conditions,” she said.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The latest road deaths have sparked calls for urgent action to improve road safety, particularly for foreign workers who may be unfamiliar with Australian roads. Security analysts say the incident highlights the need for better support systems and safety protocols to protect PALM workers.
“The safety of these workers is a national security concern, and we need to ensure that we are doing everything possible to protect them,” said one expert.
Law enforcement insiders warn that the incident may also have implications for the Pacific Island Labour Mobility Scheme, which has been criticized for its lack of oversight and support for workers.
“The scheme needs to be reviewed to ensure that workers are receiving the support and protection they need,” said another expert.
Industry observers believe that the incident will have significant economic and social consequences for the region, particularly for the agricultural industry.
“The loss of these workers will have a significant impact on the local economy, and we need to ensure that we are doing everything possible to support the families and communities affected,” said one observer.
As the community comes to terms with the tragedy, there are calls for greater support for the families of the deceased and the injured worker. The Shire of Manjimup has offered its condolences to the families and workmates of the men, saying it is “deeply saddened” by the incident.
With the South West road toll continuing to rise, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to improve road safety.
As the community mourns the loss of two young lives, there are calls for greater investment in road safety measures and support for foreign workers on Australian roads.
