The Philippine Embassy in Wellington has offered its condolences to the family of five Filipinos who perished in the tragic car crash in New Zealand on June 19.
"The Embassy was shocked and deeply saddened by this tragedy befalling our Kababayan," the embassy said in a statement Tuesday night, June 21.
"On behalf of the Philippine Government, the Embassy offers its prayers and condolences to the family and friends of the victims," it added.
Five of the seven fatalities are Filipinos, the embassy disclosed. Two of passengers, also Filipinos, survived the crash, it added.
The embassy further disclosed that the New Zealand Interpol informed them about the fatal crash on Sunday morning, June 19. It occurred along State Highway 1, Mount Pleasant in Marlborough.
The survivors are currently confined at the Wellington Regional Hospital.
Embassy staff have visited them to offer help and consolation. It also said that they are now coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to provide the needs of the victims and their family.
"The devastating news has shaken New Zealand as a nation, especially the local Filipino community. The Embassy reiterates its assurances of its readiness to assist," the embassy stressed.
"The survivors and the family of the victims are at present in a most vulnerable predicament," the embassy said as it encouraged fellow Filipinos to understand the plight of the victims' family and respect their privacy.