The Consulates General of the Philippines and Indonesia in Hong Kong Respectively Confirmed that One Filipino and Seven Indian Domestic Helpers Died in the Tai Po Fire

The fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po has deprived 128 people of their lives and caused 83 injuries. The Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong issued an advisory on Nov. 29th confirming that one Filipino died and one was injured in the fire accident. Besides, the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong also stated that seven Indian domestic helpers lost their lives in the fire.

The advisory from the Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong, Photo source: the official website of the consulate

The Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong confirmed that one Filipino died and one was injured in the No.5 Alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. The consulate expressed its sincere condolences to her family, friends and relatives at this difficult time, praising her for making countless efforts far away from home to bring a better life to her family. The consulate hoped that the deceased would rest in peace. In addition, the consulate stated that the Consulate General mobile teams have confirmed 79 safe and accounted for Filipino nationals and 12 left for verification.

The statement of the consulate, Photo source: the official website of the consulate

The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong stated that, as of 11 a.m. on November 29th, the death toll of Indonesian foreign domestic helpers has reached seven, and multiple Indonesians have been injured. Some of the injured have been discharged from the hospital after treatment and placed in temporary accommodation. It is reported that about 140 Indonesians live in the units of WANG Fuk Court. The consulate will continue to provide comprehensive assistance and be responsible for the repatriation of the remains and related services.

The statement of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong, Photo source: the official website of the consulate

Mr Chris Sun, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, stated on November 29th that the Labour Department has visited the fire site together with the personnel from the Consulates General of Indonesia and the Philippines in Hong Kong. Necessary assistance from the Hong Kong government will be provided through the two consulates. The whereabouts of several foreign domestic helpers are still under search.

The site of fire in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post

A theft occurred recently at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, with three workers involved in reinforcement work arrested for suspected of stealing valuables from a unit. Mr. Chow Yat-ming, the Commissioner of Police, stated that security at Wang Fuk Court will be strengthened, including requiring workers to undergo body searches upon leaving.

Mr. Chow Yat-ming, the Commissioner of Police, Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Chow stated that the police suspended all reinforcement work at Wang Fuk Court immediately after the theft. Following a review, four new security measures will be introduced. These include increased police patrols, requiring workers to store personal valuables—such as jewelry, watches, and cash—in lockers before heading upstairs, and limiting each worker to carrying no more than HKD $500 in cash on-site (mobile phones are permitted). Additionally, police will first document any visibly valuable items inside the units, and workers will be subject to body searches and metal detector checks upon exit. The reinforcement work is scheduled to resume on Monday (9th).

Mr. Chow Yat-ming, the Commissioner of Police, Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Chow noted that during previous work periods, police had registered workers' personal information—including ID card numbers and phone numbers—before officers escorted them to their work floors. Workers were also prohibited from carrying backpacks or bags upstairs. He added that only the three arrested workers have been implicated in the case so far, with no involvement of others found. As of 5 p.m. on March 7, police had received approximately 81 related reports, most of which expressed concerns from residents about unit security. Police will follow up on each report to determine whether theft was involved.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Chow also stated receiving a report from a resident who suspected credit card theft. He urged residents worried about credit or bank cards left in their units to contact their banks immediately to report the loss and arrange for replacements. When asked whether the incident pointed to possible police negligence, Mr. Chow said an internal review would be conducted. If human error is identified, disciplinary action may follow.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post