Manila, Aug. 23 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday confirmed that some of the passengers in the fatal tourist bus crash on a New York freeway were Filipino nationals.

DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona did not specify the number but said the Philippine Consulate General in New York was monitoring developments on the ground. She said the police reported that several of the casualties were Filipino nationals.

"There was no further clarification from the New York State Police. But casualties can include those injured or killed," she said in a text message.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by this incident," she added.

Victims of the accident or their next-of-kin may contact the Consulate through the ...