Full Breakdown
Tragic Fire at Wang Fuk Court Claims Lives of Indonesian Domestic Workers
12/5/2025, 5:34:08 PM
Overview of the Incident
On November 26, 2023, a devastating fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, resulting in the deaths of at least 159 individuals, including several Indonesian domestic workers. Among the deceased was Sri Wahyuni, 42, who was found embracing her 93-year-old employer in a fourth-floor flat. The tragedy has deeply affected the families of the victims, who are grappling with the loss of their loved ones.
Personal Accounts from Victims' Families
Sugeng Widodo, the husband of Sri Wahyuni, recounted their last conversation, which lasted over an hour and a half. He noted that Wahyuni, who was preparing her elderly employer for a nap, expressed a sense of urgency and affection during their call. “She asked me to hug her over the phone, which she never did, and said she missed me more than anything,” Widodo shared, highlighting the emotional weight of their final exchange.
Similarly, Suyitno, whose wife Erawati was also caught in the fire, received a distressing call around 7 PM. Erawati, 39, informed him that she was trapped and gasping for air, asking for forgiveness from him and their family. “She told me that she couldn’t breathe any more and that she thought she was not going to make it,” Suyitno recalled, illustrating the harrowing circumstances faced by those trapped in the blaze.
Yayuk Setyowati, another domestic worker in Hong Kong, experienced a prolonged period of uncertainty before confirming the death of her sister in the fire. After several days of unanswered messages, a DNA test ultimately confirmed her sister's fate, which added to the anguish of the family back in Indonesia.
Official Statements & Responses
The Hong Kong police have confirmed the identities of the deceased, including Sri Wahyuni and Erawati, and are conducting investigations into the cause of the fire. Local authorities have expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures in residential buildings.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have raised concerns about the safety regulations in high-density housing in Hong Kong, particularly regarding the living conditions of domestic workers. Advocacy groups argue that the tragedy underscores the vulnerability of foreign domestic workers, who often live in precarious situations and may lack adequate support during emergencies.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the death toll has been reported as at least 159, some sources indicate that the number may rise as investigations continue. Additionally, there are discrepancies regarding the exact timeline of the fire and the response from emergency services, which remain under scrutiny.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She asked me to forgive her, and to tell our family that she asked for their forgiveness too.” — Suyitno, Husband of Erawati
- “It took four days before a DNA test confirmed that her sister, a foreign domestic worker, had lost her life in the blaze at Wang Fuk Court.” — Yayuk Setyowati, Sister of Sri Wahyuni
- “Usually, we would speak for around 30 minutes and just chat about her work and about our daughter’s school. But we spoke via video call for over an hour and a half,” — Sugeng Widodo, Husband of Sri Wahyuni
This tragic incident has not only claimed lives but also highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure the safety and well-being of domestic workers in Hong Kong.
