Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh is set to visit Kuwait on the directive of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to oversee the assistance provided to the injured and to ensure the swift repatriation of the deceased
A devastating fire early Wednesday morning in the Mangaf area, south of Kuwait City, claimed the lives of at least 49 people, with approximately 40 of them being Indian nationals. The six-storey building, heavily populated by migrant workers, housed around 200 residents, mostly from India.
The fire broke out at exactly 6:00 am (0300 GMT), according to Major General Eid Al-Owaihan, head of the interior ministry’s General Department of Criminal Evidence. Initially, the death toll was reported to be 35 but was later updated to 49 by Kuwait’s interior ministry. Indian officials confirmed that around 40 of the deceased were Indian nationals.
Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh is set to visit Kuwait on the directive of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to oversee the assistance provided to the injured and to ensure the swift repatriation of the deceased. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, reported that over 50 people suffered injuries, most of them stable.
The Arab Times reported that the majority of the victims were Indian nationals aged between 20 and 50 years, employed by a private company. The densely populated building primarily housed Indians from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and northern India. Brigadier General Muhammad Al-Gharib of the General Fire Force mentioned that most deaths were due to smoke inhalation, as residents were asleep when the fire erupted.
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This incident is one of the worst fire tragedies in Kuwait’s recent history, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the country’s significant expatriate workforce
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With a population of approximately 4.2 million, Kuwait hosts a large community of migrant workers, including about 1 million Indians, who play crucial roles in various sectors despite often living in challenging conditions
Eyewitness accounts described scenes of horror, including a tragic incident where a resident jumped from the fifth floor in a desperate attempt to escape. The fire was reported to the authorities and quickly brought under control, but not before causing significant casualties.
Kuwait’s Health Ministry stated that the injured were admitted to several hospitals, with 21 at Al-Adan Hospital, 11 at Mubarak Hospital, six at Farwaniya Hospital, and one at Al-Amiri Hospital. Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister, along with other high-ranking officials, visited the site and ordered the arrest of the building’s owner. An investigation has been launched to address potential labor overcrowding violations and other safety concerns.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences and announced an ex gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased Indian nationals. He held a review meeting with senior officials to coordinate the response and assistance efforts. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also expressed deep shock and assured that the Indian embassy in Kuwait would provide full assistance to the affected.
Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber al-Sabah, has ordered a thorough investigation into the fire, vowing to hold those responsible accountable. Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah offered their condolences and prayers for the injured.
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