No Filipinos hurt in Hong Kong building fire based on initial report

Ambulance workers walk past a building called New Lucky House where a fire started in Hong Kong, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. (AP)

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said initial reports showed no Filipinos were injured after a fire broke out in a residential area in Hong Kong’s Kowloon District on Wednesday.

In a text message to INQUIRER.net, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said that verification is ongoing.

“[Regarding the] latest news on [the] Kowloon residential building fire, initial reports say that no Filipinos among five dead and 19 injured. But we are verifying this,” said de Vega.

Authorities said the latest number of injured individuals following the incident has climbed to 34. Meanwhile, three males and two females died.

Local media likewise reported that the fire started at a gym on the first floor of the New Lucky House in the Jordan neighborhood.

The building has 200 units and was built in 1964.