Filipina Among 128 Killed in Hong Kong High-Rise Fire

A Filipina domestic worker has been confirmed among the fatalities in the massive fire that struck a residential building in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, according to the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Hong Kong.

The blaze, which erupted on November 26 at Wang Fuk Court, has already claimed at least 128 lives, including a firefighter, and left hundreds more unaccounted for as authorities continue search and rescue efforts.

In an official statement, the consulate confirmed the death of the overseas Filipino worker (OFW), describing her as a mother and breadwinner who had gone abroad to secure a better life for her loved ones.

“With great sadness, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong confirms the passing of an overseas Filipino worker from the Tai Po fire incident. Far from her native home, she had made innumerable sacrifices to provide a better life for her family,” the consulate said.

“The Consulate General extends our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones at this trying time,” it added.

The PCG said that its personnel have been deployed on the ground to assist Filipino residents affected by the tragedy, including verifying the status of those living in or near the affected building, coordinating with Hong Kong authorities, and extending necessary support services.

As of the latest update, 79 Filipinos have been confirmed safe, one remains injured, and the condition of 12 others is still under verification.

Meanwhile, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac met with the family of the deceased OFW, who is survived by her 10-year-old son.

Cacdac said the department is offering support to the grieving family, including psychosocial services, financial assistance, and help in repatriation arrangements.

“We assured the 10-year-old son of our dear OFW that her mother lives in his heart forever, and would want nothing more than have him finish his studies,” Cacdac said.

He added that the young boy expressed a wish to prevent similar tragedies in the future. “When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, he said ‘Firefighter po para wala na pong mamatay sa sunog.’”

The Hong Kong government has confirmed that the fire at Wang Fuk Court was one of the deadliest incidents in the city in recent years. Officials reported that the blaze spread rapidly through the residential block, trapping dozens of residents and overwhelming firefighting operations.

Authorities said that around 200 individuals remain unaccounted for as search teams continue their operations in the affected structure.

Hong Kong police have arrested 11 individuals in connection with the incident. Among those apprehended are the two directors of Will Power Architects Company, the firm responsible for overseeing renovation work at the building.

Investigators are looking into whether lapses in the construction and safety management contributed to the severity of the fire’s impact.

Philippine officials said they are closely coordinating with Hong Kong authorities to monitor developments in the ongoing investigation. The DMW and PCG have also committed to assisting the families of all Filipino nationals affected by the tragedy, including those whose cases are still pending confirmation.

As rescue and recovery operations continue, the Philippine government emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Filipino workers abroad, especially in times of crisis.

The consulate reiterated that it will continue verifying the condition of all Filipino residents in the area until every individual is accounted for.