Filipino domestic helpers who survived Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades say they have no intention of leaving the city despite the trauma. At a fair in St John's Cathedral, some of the 35 survivors shared their ordeals, having lost all personal belongings in the inferno. Many continue working for their employers in transitional housing.
On November 26, a fire rapidly spread across seven of the eight towers at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, claiming 160 lives, including a firefighter, with six people still missing. Nearly 5,000 residents were left homeless. More than 200 domestic helpers worked at the estate, and among the victims were nine Indonesians and one Filipino.
At a full-day fair on Sunday at St John's Cathedral in Central, some of the 35 survivors recounted their ordeals. Jonalyn Duran, a 47-year-old widow, said she narrowly escaped with her 93-year-old boss. Many fled with children and elderly employers, enduring significant emotional toll after losing all personal belongings.
Despite the upheaval, some survivors have moved with their employers into transitional housing and continue working, though at least one has been laid off. They expressed determination to remain in Hong Kong.
The tragedy highlights the vulnerability of migrant workers in the city. The event, supported by groups like the Mission for Migrant Workers, offered aid and community support.
