The catastrophic No. 5 alarm fire that devastated Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on Wednesday, November 26, has tragically resulted in 128 confirmed deaths, prompting immediate international assistance for victims and their families. As of Sunday, November 30, the Consulate General of Indonesia in Hong Kong confirmed that seven Indonesian domestic helpers perished in the inferno, underscoring the severe impact of the disaster on the migrant worker community residing in the complex.
The Consulate reported that three Indonesian nationals were injured; one has been released from hospital care, while two others continue to receive medical treatment. Embassy officials swiftly contacted the families of the deceased and are actively coordinating the complex process of repatriating the remains to Indonesia.
Search Continues for Missing Residents
The Wang Fuk Court estate was home to an estimated 140 Indonesian citizens, many of whom are employed as domestic helpers in the city. By Saturday evening, November 29, authorities had successfully verified the whereabouts of 86 individuals. However, 45 residents remain unaccounted for, fueling concern among the community and consulate staff. All seven confirmed fatalities are Indonesian nationals employed as household workers, highlighting the vulnerable status of this population within the densely populated residential area.
In response to the crisis, the Indonesian Consulate has mobilized extensive resources to support its citizens. A temporary shelter was established at the consulate’s premises, complementing an assistance post set up near the epicenter of the tragedy in Tai Po. Consular staff have been deployed to various government shelters and hospitals within the disaster zone to verify missing persons’ information and maintain direct communication with affected citizens. Their efforts include distributing essential supplies, such as food and hygiene products, and expediting the issuance of necessary travel documents like passports.
Coordinating Repatriation and Legal Rights
The diplomatic mission is working in close coordination with several local agencies, including the Hong Kong Police Force, to trace the remaining missing persons. A primary focus is ensuring that the legal rights and welfare of the victims’ families are safeguarded during this traumatic period. The process of coordinating the return of the deceased’s remains is being handled with sensitivity and urgency, maintaining constant contact with the victims’ families abroad.
Furthermore, the Consulate issued a critical public advisory, urging Indonesian citizens to exercise extreme caution against potential scams seeking to exploit the tragedy. Officials emphasized the importance of relying solely on verified information released by the official mission channels and recognized Hong Kong government departments. This vigilance is crucial to prevent further victimization during a time of immense vulnerability.
The ongoing efforts by the Indonesian Consulate reflect the crucial role diplomatic missions play in providing emergency support and protection to citizens during major international crises. As search and recovery operations continue, the focus remains on accounting for the missing and providing unwavering humanitarian and administrative support to those whose lives have been irreversibly impacted by the Wang Fuk Court fire.