The Philippine Embassy in Wellington has confirmed the earlier car crash in New Zealand killed five Filipinos and two foreigners, even as two of their Pinoy companions survived.
The nine victims were on their way home from a funeral when their van collided head-on with a truck along State Highway 1, Mount Pleasant in Marlborough. Reports said among those who died was a baby.
The Embassy said it is “coordinating with DFA Headquarters as to the needs of the victims and their families,” adding that the tragedy has shaken New Zealand, and Filipino community in the country.