The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Thursday, Nov. 27, that it is still verifying reports of Filipinos possibly trapped in a massive fire at a residential complex in Hong Kong.
In its statement, the DFA said it had received “unverified” information that some Filipinos may have been caught in the Level 5 blaze, which spread across multiple high-rise apartment buildings in Tai Po, New Territories.
The agency clarified, however, that the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has not yet received confirmed reports of any Filipinos killed or injured.
“The Consulate received unverified information that some Filipino domestic workers may be trapped inside the buildings. The Consulate immediately passed on this information to authorities,” the DFA added.
“Efforts by the Hong Kong Fire Services Department to contain the fire are still ongoing. Due to the scale and intensity of the fire, it will take time before the extent of the damage and number and nationality of the victims are fully determined,” the statement added.
It assures that the Consulate has been coordinating with the Hong Kong Police Force and “stands ready to assist any Filipino national who may be affected or injured in the fire.”
Based on the latest foreign media reports, some 44 people have already been killed and some 279 are feared missing as firefighters have been working to reach some residents trapped on the higher floors of the buildings.
The massive fire across multiple buildings started on Wednesday night, Nov. 26, but up until Thursday morning, firefighters are still battling isolated flames.
Authorities have arrested three construction company executives on suspicion of manslaughter connected to the use of flammable materials—including bamboo scaffolding and polystyrene boards—that reportedly allowed the fire to spread quickly. (Raymund Antonio)
