By Gabriela Baron
Five Filipinos died in a car accident in Picton, New Zealand, Sunday, June 19, the Philippine Embassy in Wellington reported Tuesday night, June 21.
According to the Embassy, the fatal crash occurred along State Highway I, Mount Pleasant in Marlborough.
Seven persons, including an infant, were killed, while two survived, one of them sustaining grave injuries.
Reports said victims were aboard a van when it collided with a truck.
“The Embassy was shocked and deeply saddened by this tragedy befalling our Kababayan. On behalf of the Philippine Government, the Embassy offers its prayers and condolences to the family and friends of the victims,” its statement read.
The Embassy assured that it “has been constantly in touch” with the New Zealand Police and other authorities.
“Embassy officials visited the survivors, presently confined at the Wellington Regional Hospital, to offer help and consolation. The Embassy is coordinating with [Department of Foreign Affairs] Headquarters as to the needs of the victims and their family,” the statement further read.
“The devastating news has shaken New Zealand as a nation, especially the local Filipino community. The Embassy reiterates its assurance of its readiness to assist.”
It then appealed to the victims’ friends and supporters to “understand their plight and to respect their privacy.” – ag
