Heroic Filipina helper who shielded 3-month-old baby with her body fights for life after Tai Po fire

A newly arrived Filipina domestic worker who had been in Hong Kong for only a few days is clinging to life in intensive care after courageously shielding the three-month-old baby she cared for from the searing heat and choking on smoke during the Wang Fuk Court fire that claimed 128 lives.

Rhodora Alcaraz was found by firefighters still tightly cradling the infant against her body when rescuers burst into the smoke-filled flat.

She had refused to let go for hours, using her own body to protect the child from the flames and toxic fumes while the family was trapped.

The baby emerged stable and is now receiving proper care, but Rhodora was rushed to United Christian Hospital and later transferred to intensive care, where she remains in critical condition on a ventilator.

Her desperate sister in the Philippines had posted an emotional video plea on social media while the fire still raged, begging anyone who could help to save her sibling.

Once Rhodora’s extraordinary act of bravery became known, messages of gratitude and prayers for her recovery flooded in from across Hong Kong and the Filipino community, with many praising her selflessness and urging employers to treat domestic workers with the respect they deserve.

The Philippine authorities confirmed they are closely monitoring the case and that one critically injured helper (Rhodora) is receiving treatment, while another remains missing.

Indonesia’s consulate separately announced that two Indonesian domestic workers died in the blaze and two more were injured.