Authorities in Manila said on Thursday that Philippine officials in Hong Kong have yet to verify any deaths or injuries involving Filipinos following a massive fire that tore through a residential complex in Tai Po. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) noted that, as of its latest communication with the Philippine Consulate General, “the DFA, through the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, has not, as of this time, received any confirmed reports of Filipinos killed or injured as a result of the Level 5 fire at a residential complex in Tai Po in New Territories, Hong Kong.”
The Consulate relayed that while confirmed cases have not been reported, preliminary information from the ground suggested the possibility that “some Filipino domestic workers may be trapped inside the buildings.” Officials said they remain in touch with Hong Kong authorities as search and rescue efforts continue. According to the DFA, “The Consulate General continues to coordinate with the Hong Kong Police Force and stands ready to assist any Filipino national who may be affected or injured in the fire.”
The blaze, which erupted Wednesday afternoon inside an eight-tower development housing around 2,000 units, engulfed several high-rise blocks and quickly became one of the city’s deadliest incidents in decades. At least 44 people were confirmed dead, and hundreds more had not been located as emergency teams attempted to regain control of the scene.
Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department continued work through Thursday to contain the flames, a process the DFA said may take time given the severity of the situation. It added, “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.”
In a separate advisory, Hong Kong police reported that three men were taken into custody on suspicion of manslaughter linked to the incident, though authorities have not disclosed further details regarding their alleged involvement.
