Hong Kong blaze spotlights enduring role of city’s foreign domestic helpers

Indonesian domestic helper Fita spoke of the confusion inside the Hong Kong high-rise apartment complex as it was engulfed in flames on Wednesday in the city’s deadliest fire since 1948. Amid sirens, flying debris and smell of burning, Fita told her employer there was a fire but her boss did not believe her.

After going outside and seeing two buildings burning in the Wang Fuk Court complex she pressed again: “I just straight-talked to my employer — I said you have go down now.”

“It was scary. I was going to cry because I saw a lot of people confused,” Fita, 49, said. The pair eventually got out and are staying in emergency housing.

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