People walk next to a train which derailed in a tunnel north of Hualien, Taiwan April 2, 2021, in this handout image provided by Taiwan’s National Fire Agency. Taiwan’s National Fire Agency/Handout via REUTERS
MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) is still verifying if there are Filipinos among those killed or injured after a train derailed in Taiwan, killing at least 36 people, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The DFA, in a response to a query from reporters, said Friday afternoon that it has yet to receive reports of any Filipino who died or wounded from the incident.
“At this time, no report received of any Filipino casualty, but MECO continues to verify,” the DFA said.
MECO is the Philippines’ de facto embassy in Taiwan.
At least 36 people died and over 72 were left wounded after a train, which was carrying 350 passengers, derailed in a tunnel in eastern Taiwan earlier Friday after it apparently hit a truck.