Filipinos among killed in New Zealand road crash —report

Seven people, including members of the Filipino community, were killed in a road accident in New Zealand on Sunday morning, media reports said.

A report on Stuff said seven people from a family in Auckland were killed and two were seriously injured after their van collided with a refrigerated goods truck on State Highway 1 between Blenheim and Picton.

The report did not say how many among the victims were Filipinos but said one of the fatalities was an infant under the age of 1.

Aside from the two injured, one member of the family who is a student also survived the crash, according to a separate Stuff article on the incident.

The truck driver suffered minor injuries and has been reportedly released from the hospital on Sunday evening.

"A crash of this scale has a huge impact on both the community where it happens, that of the deceased’s family and community, and on emergency services who attend," the Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Police said in a Facebook post.

“Police’s focus remains on ensuring victims are supported, and that the circumstances of the crash are fully investigated,” it added.

While investigations are ongoing, Tasman District commander Paul Borrell said there were early indications that the van likely crossed the centerline before it collided with the truck.

According to the report, the road crash is the deadliest in the South Island in more than two decades, and one of the worst in New Zealand overall.

Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Jesus "Gary" Domingo expressed condolences to the relatives of the victims.

"Our condolences and prayers for our Kababayan who perished in Picton," Domingo said in a Facebook post.

He also said the Philippine Embassy and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office are extending assistance.

"The Embassy & POLO in Wellington are assisting the family," Domingo wrote. —Joviland Rita/KBK/KG, GMA News