THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed that several Filipinos were among the casualties of a tour bus crash in Upstate New York that resulted in at least five fatalities and numerous injuries.
The DFA cited information from local police and assured that the Philippine Consulate in New York is closely monitoring the situation.
“New York State Police have reported that several of the casualties are Filipino nationals,” the DFA said in a statement. While the DFA did not specify the extent of the injuries or the medical conditions of the affected Filipinos, it emphasized that the Philippine Consulate stands ready to provide assistance to any victims in need.
The bus, carrying 51 passengers plus the driver, was en route back to New York City from Niagara Falls when the accident occurred on Interstate 90 in the town of Pembroke.
According to police reports, the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to roll over multiple times before coming to rest off the side of the freeway. The Philippine Consulate has established an emergency hotline for Filipinos with relatives who may have been involved in the crash and is offering its support to those affected by the tragedy. Authorities have not released further information, respecting the privacy of the individuals involved, but will be reaching out to the families of the victims directly.
