129 Indonesian Citizens Survive Fire In Hong Kong, One Person Has Not Been Found

Efforts to extinguish the fire at the Wang Fuk Court Apartment Complex, Tai Po, Hong Kong. (Wikimedia Commons/Cyril Yoshi)

JAKARTA - The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia Hong Kong announced the increase in Indonesian citizens (WNI) of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) who survived the fire at the Wang Fuk Court Apartment Complex, Tai Po last week.

In its information update on Thursday, the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong also announced a reduction in the number of Indonesian citizens (WNI)/Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) whose fate is not yet known.

"The total estimated 140 Indonesian citizens, nine people died, one victim was treated at the hospital, 129 people survived and one person has not been found," wrote the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong in its update, Thursday (4/12).

Previously reported, the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong moved quickly to open an emergency post at the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong since Wednesday night. The Indonesian Consulate General also moved quickly to coordinate with local authorities to obtain access to information on affected Indonesian citizens/Indonesian Migrant Workers.

"After obtaining permission from the local authorities, since Thursday (27/11) morning sending a team to the field to identify and verify the affected Indonesian citizens/PMI, as well as the distribution of necessary logistical assistance, such as; food, drinks and sanitary packs," explained the Indonesian Consulate General.

The Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong then also established an emergency post at Tai Po Community as soon as he received clearance from the Hong Kong Government and Tai Po District Office on Friday.

"The function is to identify and verify the affected Indonesian citizens/PMI; distribution of necessary logistical assistance; in terms of loss of Indonesian Passports, carry out initial facilitation for re-issuance, and other assistance that may be carried out in accordance with applicable local safety, law and regulations protocols," explained the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong.

In addition, the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong also established communication with public nodes to capture information on the whereabouts and condition of Indonesian citizens/PMIs who may be affected.

"The Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong continues to coordinate with local authorities to make the best efforts to repatriate the bodies and rights of victims," added the Indonesian Consulate General.

It is known that a fire broke out in seven apartment buildings in the Wang Fuk Court residential area, Tai Po, Hong Kong, which was detected last Wednesday, ahead of 15:00 local time with rapid escalation reaching the highest level of warning in Hong Kong "No. 5 alarms" at 18:22 local time.

Hong Kong police confirmed on Wednesday that the death toll from the fire had risen to 159 people, according to Al Arabiya from AFP.