THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday reported the train-car crash in New Zealand left two Filipinos dead and three others wounded.

“Ambassador to New Zealand Jesus S. Domingo reported that the Embassy is closely coordinating with authorities to ascertain the identities of the Filipinos and check their condition,” DFA Assistant Secretary Emmanuel R. Fernandez told reporters over phone message, Wednesday.

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

Mr. Fernandez said the DFA, in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Wellington, is closely monitoring the aftermath of a train and car accident in New Zealand this morning.

“The incident happened at the Bay of Plenty on Pongakawa School Road near Te Puke in northern New Zealand,” he noted.

“The Embassy stands ready to provide the necessary assistance to the Filipinos and their families.”

In a separate development, the DFA said it is still monitoring the aftermath of thee 6.8-magnitude quake in Yamagata Prefecture in northern Japan on Tuesday evening.

“The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and the well-being of Filipinos in the area and is ready to assist as needed. Both the Embassy and the Consulate General have also issued urgent advisories to Filipinos in the affected areas,” the DFA said in a separate statement, Wednesday.

The Embassy recorded 815 registered Filipinos in Yamagata Prefecture. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

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