At least six Filipinos were killed while several others were injured after figuring in a road accident in Japan Sunday.
The Philippine Consulate General in Osaka said the six died when their minibus collided with a truck at an intersection in Kameyama, Mie Prefecture.
"Twenty-two others were injured, including two drivers. Ten of them are in serious condition, police said," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in an article posted on its website Sunday night.
It did not immediately say how many of the 22 injured were Filipinos. The DFA withheld the names of the fatalities until their families are informed.
Philippine Consul General Maria Lourdes Lopez said five of the Filipinos died immediately, while the other died on the way to the hospital.
The Filipino fatalities were part of a group of 27 people who were in the minibus owned by a temporary staffing service. They were heading to a liquid crystal panel factory in the city when the accident occurred.
According to the DFA, the injured Filipinos are now in the hospital receiving treatment and are being assisted by Consulate General staff members.
Lopez is in contact with the local authorities in Mie Prefecture.
"The Consulate General is extending its full assistance to the victims and their families, and is coordinating with the DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs for the repatriation of their remains and the extension of other assistance," the DFA said.
Citing initial reports, the DFA said the minibus was going through the intersection when it collided with the truck.
Police arrested the truck driver, Takao Moriwaki, 45, who was required to stop at the crossroad.- JE/HS/KBK
