MANILA, Philippines – Two Filipinos were killed and 3 others were injured in a collision of a car and a train in New Zealand on Wednesday morning, June 19, said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Citing Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Jesus Domingo, the DFA said that the embassy “is closely coordinating with authorities to ascertain the identities of the Filipinos and check their condition.”

“The embassy stands ready to provide the necessary assistance to the Filipinos and their families,” the DFA said.

The incident reportedly happened in northern New Zealand, at the Bay of Plenty on Pongakawa School Road near Te Puke.

The news outlet NZ Herald said witness Shanelle Whitaker “saw the car flying off the tracks, and a jersey flew out, and then a pole of the train track lights fell down.”

Whitaker said the crash, which took place around 8:15 am on Wednesday, was an “absolute tragedy.” – Rappler.com