By Simone Fox Koob, the Sydney Morning Herald
A Hoppers Crossing man killed in a crane crash on the Western Ring Road has been described as a hard-working and loving family man who had only recently arrived in Australia after spending years in a Malaysian refugee camp.
Joseph Lian Hrin, 34, was working with a friend installing telecommunications pits when the pair pulled over into the emergency lane to secure a load on their truck early on Tuesday morning.
He was standing near the back of the vehicle adjusting the straps when a crane truck, which police believe was “straddling” the emergency lane, hit him from behind. He died at the scene.
Mr Hrin, who is originally from Chin state in western Myanmar, had only just got the job after arriving in Australia in late April with his parents and wife and settling in Hoppers Crossing.
“He arrived as a refugee and he has been living in Malaysia in a refugee camp for more than six years,” said his cousin, Van Rahtin, who has lived in Melbourne’s west for 11 years.
“Because of all the political issues, the persecution, he fled to Malaysia for refuge.”
“His wife is hysterical and she is grieving a lot,” she said.
Ms Rahtin said her cousin was a family man who had been searching for work for months and had recently landed his perfect job.
“He got a job with Metropolitan Communications Service at the end of June and then he started his job on August 6. It had only been more than five weeks,” she said.
Wayne Harry, the owner of the telecommunications installation company that employed Mr Hrin, said despite barriers such as limited English, all his employees said Mr Hrin was an extremely hard worker.
“This bloke was fantastic. Everyone said the guy had a fantastic attitude, was fantastic to work with … he put in 100 per cent,” he said.
The 23-year-old man who was driving the truck with Mr Hrin on Monday was also an employee of the company, and the pair were close friends. Ms Rahtin said the driver had helped Mr Hrin find work.
“The driver worked with him every day, came home with him and he usually plays table tennis at home. After work he would stay at Joseph’s house, they were good friends.”
The man was taken to Sunshine Hospital after the crash and treated for shock.
“At the moment, I haven’t met him but my family saw him this morning … they went to his house and he is in shock, he hasn’t slept, he is very traumatised,” Ms Rahtin said.
The driver of the crane truck was interviewed by police then released.
“At the moment, I say to myself he is going to come home. The news hasn’t come through me.
The funeral is being arranged by the Melbourne Chin Church, where Mr Hrin was an active member.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
