2 Filipinos dead, 3 others injured in New Zealand train and car crash

MANILA, Philippines — Two Filipinos died while three others were injured in a train and car accident in New Zealand Wednesday morning, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

In a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, the DFA reported that the incident happened at the Bay of Plenty along Pongakawa School Road near Te Puke town in northern New Zealand.

“The [DFA], through the Philippine Embassy in Wellington, is closely monitoring the aftermath of a train and car accident in New Zealand this morning where five Filipinos were involved,” the department said.

“Two of the five Filipinos passed away due to the accident while three were injured,” it added.

According to the DFA, Ambassador to New Zealand Jesus Domingo said the embassy is “closely coordinating” with local authorities to ascertain the identities of the Filipinos and check their condition.

“The Embassy stands ready to provide the necessary assistance to the Filipinos and their families,” the DFA added. (Editor: Eden Estopace)