2 Filipinos killed, 3 others hurt in New Zealand train-car crash

MANILA— Two Filipinos were killed while three others were injured following a train and car accident in New Zealand, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Wednesday.

“Two of the five Filipinos passed away due to the accident, while three were injured. The incident happened at the Bay of Plenty on Pongakawa School Road near Te Puke in northern New Zealand,” the agency, through Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Fernandez, said in a bulletin.

The DFA assured that the Philippine embassy in Wellington is in close coordination with local authorities as it tries to ascertain the identities of the Filipinos.

“The embassy stands ready to provide the necessary assistance to the Filipinos and their families,” it added.

According to local news, the crash was reported to local authorities at around 8:15 a.m. local time.

The two Filipinos were reportedly working as fruit pickers in Te Puke, and were riding the vehicle when it hit a train at the intersection with Pongakawa School Road.