Hong Kong high-rise fire: Missing Filipina worker confirmed dead

The Filipina worker who was earlier reported missing after a massive fire engulfed several high-rise buildings in Tai Po, Hong Kong, has been confirmed dead, the Philippine Consulate General said.

Her death comes as authorities continue to account for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the blaze, which broke out in broad daylight on Wednesday (November 26) and raged for more than 10 hours. The consulate said the victim was a female OFW but withheld further details pending notification of her family.

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In an advisory dated November 29, the Philippine Consulate — as reported by Philippine News Agency — noted that 79 Filipinos have been confirmed safe, one remains injured, and 12 others are still for verification. The Philippine Consulate earlier said that 13 OFWs are still missing following the high-rise fire.

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"The Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong is presently continuing its on-the-ground operations to check the welfare of and assist overseas Filipino workers affected by the Tai Po fire incident," the advisory said.

The death toll from the deadly blaze in Hong Kong that ripped through seven high-rise residential blocks has risen to 146 after Hong Kong police concluded their search of four blocks, Reuters reported.

At least 79 people were injured in the fire, authorities said. The entire process of searching the burnt buildings is expected to take around three to four weeks, Hong Kong police said.

The cause of the blaze, which killed 146 people and left 150 still missing at a high-rise apartment complex, remains under investigation. However, it is known that the building's fire alarms were not working, and that the complex was wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh, and layered with foam insulation for renovations.

Elizabeth Gonzales

elizabeth@khaleejtimes.com

Elizabeth Gonzales is a Digital Journalist who loves writing about the expat life — and ways to make the most of it. When she's not looking for new hacks to share with readers, you may find her giving them a real laugh at one of her stand-up comic events.