DFA says no Filipinos injured, dead from massive Hong Kong fire 'at this time'

MANILA, November 27 ------ The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that there have been no confirmed reports "at this time" of Filipinos killed or injured in the level 5 fire in Hong Kong. "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," it said.

However, the DFA said it received unverified reports that "some Filipino domestic workers may be trapped inside the buildings." "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 DFA said.

A huge fire ripped through several high-rise blocks in a Hong Kong residential estate on Wednesday, killing at least 44 people. Hundreds remained unaccounted for the city's worst blaze in decades. The fire, which started on Wednesday afternoon in an eight-building complex with 2,000 apartment units, shocked the Chinese financial hub, which has some of the world's most densely populated and tallest residential blocks.

The DFA said 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," it said. HK police said in a brief advisory three men were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire. It gave no details about what specifically they were accused of doing.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com