File photo from the DFA/Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Wednesday that a 35-year-old Filipino tourist was killed after he was hit by a taxi cab outside a hotel in Tsuen Wan West, Hong Kong, on Aug. 5.

In a statement, the DFA said the report came from the Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong, adding that the police have taken the 80-year-old taxi driver into custody.

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

According to news reports in Hong Kong, the victim had just checked out of the hotel. He was carrying his luggage and was looking at his mobile phone when a taxi suddenly rammed into the hotel’s facade, hitting him.

The impact threw the victim to the ground, and he ended up being pinned between the taxi and the marble columns outside the hotel.

He was rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The taxi driver, on the other hand, suffered minor injuries. He was reportedly waiting outside the hotel when he felt dizzy and attempted to drive away. However, he lost control of the cab, resulting in the fatal crash.

“The deceased’s remains are now housed in Kwai Chung Public Mortuary and the taxi driver involved in the accident is in police custody,” the Philippine Consulate General said.

It added that it was assisting the victim’s family who were expected to arrive in Hong Kong to make arrangements for bringing home his body. It also offered its condolences and prayers to the victim’s family. —with a report from PNA