The Government today extended its condolences to the families of the foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) who died in the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, and offered compensation and financial assistance totalling around $800,000 to the families of the deceased.
Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun announced the support measures at a media session this afternoon, noting that according to official records, 10 FDHs passed away in the fire incident.
“For foreign domestic helpers who died in the fire, apart from the statutory compensation which will be over HK$500,000, they will also be receiving a one-off financial assistance of HK$200,000, plus another HK$50,000 of support.
“Adding all those together, for foreign domestic helpers who died in the fire, (their families) will be receiving roughly HK$800,000. That is roughly equivalent to US$100,000.”
The labour chief added that the helpers who were injured in the blaze will receive a one-off financial assistance of $50,000 or $100,000, depending on the period of their hospitalisation.
Furthermore, FDHs who were injured or survived will also be provided with $20,000 and given an Octopus Card with an amount of $2,000.
Mr Sun also reported that three FDHs were injured and 30 are reported missing.
“I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased foreign domestic helpers. At the same time, I wish all those who were injured in the fire a very speedy recovery.
“We are truly grateful for their selflessness and also their heroic acts during the fire because many of them, they were taking care of the elderly, children and babies in Wang Fuk Court.”
