A Samoan worker who was participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is among two people confirmed dead following a tragic truck collision on the Cunningham Highway, located approximately 120 kilometres southwest of Brisbane. 

This incident, which has been confirmed by a liaison officer connected with the scheme, adds to a growing number of Samoan workers who have lost their lives in car accidents while engaged in temporary employment opportunities in Australia and New Zealand.

According to reports from ABC News, the accident occurred two days ago near Tregony on the Southern Downs. 

Two trucks, travelling in opposite directions, collided head-on, causing both vehicles to overturn. 

Both the driver and a passenger in one of the trucks were pronounced dead at the scene, while six others sustained minor injuries and were subsequently taken to local hospitals.

Emergency services immediately responded, closing the highway in both directions to facilitate rescue and recovery efforts. 

Queensland Ambulance Service representative Sally Gyte described the scene as "chaotic," noting the significant number of patients and the deployment of multiple medical teams, including advanced care and critical care paramedics.

“You’ve got eight patients, several crews, advanced care paramedics, [and] critical care paramedics,” Gyte reported, adding that emergency teams had been dispatched from Boonah and Gatton, as well as a rescue helicopter. 

The highway was closed as authorities continued their investigation and work to clear the area.

This tragic incident has renewed calls for awareness and safety measures for temporary workers in Australia, especially those working in labor mobility schemes from Pacific nations like Samoa.