Metro Manila, Philippines – Two Filipinos were killed after a bus carrying 33 Filipinos crashed in Bavaria, Germany, while the group was traveling from Milan to Munich for Oktoberfest, Philippine authorities said Sunday, Sept. 27.
Seventeen other Filipinos were injured and brought to different hospitals, while 14 were reported safe or sustained minor injuries, according to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
The crash occurred along the A96 near Buchloe, west of Munich.
The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt said it was coordinating with affected Filipinos and their relatives while working to determine the whereabouts and condition of all Filipinos involved.
The German Embassy in Manila expressed its condolences to the families of the Filipino fatalities.
“Local emergency services acted immediately at the scene to assist the passengers and ensure that all injured individuals received swift medical care,” the embassy said.
German authorities in Bavaria are investigating to determine the cause of the crash.
An OWWA-DMW Rapid Response Team is expected to arrive in Munich Monday to assist the affected Filipinos, following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
OWWA Administrator PY Caunan is leading the team, which will visit Filipinos being treated in hospitals and coordinate with medical facilities and their families in the Philippines.
“Bilin ng ating Pangulo na sa oras ng pangangailangan, dapat maramdaman ng ating mga OFW na naroon ang pamahalaan para sa kanila,” Caunan said.
[Translation: The President’s directive is that in times of need, our OFWs should feel that the government is there for them.]
OWWA regional offices in the Philippines have been instructed to contact the families of those involved, conduct welfare assessments and provide assistance.
