MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed the death of a 35-year-old Filipino tourist in a vehicular crash outside a hotel in Tsuen Wan West, Hong Kong, on Tuesday.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the DFA, through the Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong, announced that the taxi driver involved in the fatal incident is currently in police custody.

“The Consulate General is closely coordinating with the Hong Kong Police Force while the official investigation of the case is ongoing,” the DFA stated.

According to local news reports, the victim had just checked out of the hotel and was walking with his luggage, looking at his mobile phone, when a taxi unexpectedly rammed into the hotel’s facade. The Filipino tourist was struck by the vehicle, thrown to the ground, and pinned between the taxi and the hotel’s marble columns.

He was immediately rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital but was later pronounced dead.

The 80-year-old taxi driver, who suffered minor injuries, reportedly felt dizzy while waiting outside the hotel. He attempted to drive away but lost control of the vehicle, leading to the tragic crash. The exact cause of the incident remains under investigation.

The remains of the Filipino victim are currently at the Kwai Chung Public Mortuary. The Consulate General is providing assistance to the deceased’s family and is awaiting their arrival in Hong Kong to facilitate the shipment of the remains.

“The Consulate General offers its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family and prays for his eternal rest,” the DFA concluded.