5 Pinoys remain in hospitals after Germany bus crash; family seeks repatriation of 1 victim

Only five out of the 17 hospitalized Filipinos remain admitted for recovery and treatment following a bus crash in Germany on September 27.

In a "24 Oras" report by Katrina Son on Tuesday, the five Filipinos are admitted to different hospitals in Bavaria, Germany. A minor was among the injured but did not require hospital admission.

“We've been able to gather information that these Filipinos have started to be cleared for travel by the hospitals,” Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt Ivy Banzon Abalos said.

Last Sunday, a tour bus carrying 33 Filipinos was involved in an accident. They had traveled from Milan, Italy, and were en route to Munich to attend the Oktoberfest beer festival.

The bus veered off the road and overturned along the A96 Highway near Buchloe, west of Munich.

Two Filipinos died in the incident. The family of one victim has requested that his remains be repatriated to Batangas.

Authorities said the family of one of the deceased has already arrived at the funeral parlor, while the other family is expected to arrive soon.

The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt said it continues to coordinate with the families of the two Filipino fatalities.

“The families now are being assisted by the government in gaining access here in the institutions in Germany,” Abalos said.

She added that the government is also arranging the return to Milan in Italy, for the other passengers, including those who were injured and were given medical clearance to travel.

Abalos noted that because some survivors are now afraid of riding a tour bus, they are arranging alternative means of transportation to bring them home.

“We’re sensitive about how we approach them. Marami sa kanila ang nato-trauma pa. Kailangan naming maging sensitive dito at humanap ng mga modes of transport that will put them at ease,” Abalos said.

(We’re sensitive about how we approach them. Many of them are still traumatized. We need to be sensitive about this and find modes of transport that will put them at ease.)

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, with police still gathering additional statements from the passengers.

According to Abalos, their next steps will depend on the investigation's outcome, including potential legal action against the tour bus operator.

“Whatever the findings here will factor into how we will deal with the tour operator. Aside from the first response that we’re doing — the assistance with the medical needs, with the financial needs, logistical needs, and psychosocial needs of the Filipinos affected — we are also concerned with the justice side of it,” the Consulate General said. — Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/BAP, GMA News