The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Sunday, Aug. 24, that no Filipino was killed in the recent New York City tourist bus crash.

However, the DFA said that some Filipinos who were among the 54 passengers of the tourist bus were injured. It did not disclose how many Filipinos were injured, and if they sustained minor or major injuries.

“New York State Police confirmed that all passengers in the bus have been identified and their next-of-kin have been notified. No Filipino among the fatalities,” the DFA stated.

It added that most of the passenger who were brought to the hospitals were already discharged, and that those who sustained major injuries are expected to recover.

The DFA furthered that no Filipino has sought the Consulate’s assistance as of the moment.

“No one has approached the Consulate for assistance thus far. It provided its hotline number in social media advisories,” it said.

An earlier statement from the Philippine Consulate General in New York said it was actively monitoring the reported accident along New York’s I-90 highway, where a tourist bus flipped on its side after coming from Niagara Falls, a major tourist destination in the US-Canada border.

“New York State Police have reported that several of the casualties are Filipino nationals. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by this incident,” the consulate said.

“The Consulate is actively monitoring the situation and stands ready to assist any victims who may need assistance. For victims of the accident or their next-of-kin, the Consulate may be reached at the Assistance-to-Nationals Hotline (917) 294-0196,” it added.

According to a report by the New York State Police, five were confirmed dead on the site of the incident, while multiple passengers were ejected from the bus. Some were also trapped inside the bus for hours.