Domestic worker dies in hospital after apartment fire caused by power bank explosion

The Indonesian woman was unconscious by the time firefighters arrived at Cheung On Estate in Tsing Yi. Photo via Apple Daily
The Indonesian woman was unconscious by the time firefighters arrived at Cheung On Estate in Tsing Yi. Photo via Apple Daily

An Indonesian domestic worker whose power bank exploded last week, setting her employer’s Tsing Yi home on fire, succumbed to her burn injuries Thursday.

The 36-year-old died at Princess Margaret Hospital around 1:40am, HK01 reported.

The fire broke out at a Cheung On Estate unit last Thursday, when the domestic worker’s power bank exploded while charging a mobile phone.

She attempted to put out the fire with a blanket, and was severely burned on her face, hands and shoulders. She was unconscious by the time firefighters arrived, and her employer, 87, was also feeling unwell due to smoke inhalation.

The exterior of the apartment unit was left blackened by the flames, photos showed.

According to HK01, the domestic worker was close with her employer and were often seen going out together. She spoke some Cantonese and was on friendly terms with her neighbors, the media outlet reported.

Family members have already moved some of the employer’s belongings out of the apartment, and it is unclear if she will return to the flat.




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