As many as 41 Indian workers were killed in a major fire mishap at a building in the southern part of Kuwait housing workers early on Wednesday, the country’s officials said.
The fire broke out in the kitchen of the six-story building in the Mangaf neighbourhood in Kuwait’s southern Ahmadi Governorate. Nearly 160 employees of the same organization were reportedly residing in the building.
As per local newspaper, the majority of the deceased were Indian nationals, with ages ranging between 20 and 50 years. Most deaths were due to suffocation while in their sleep and a significant number of residents were evacuated, it added. The fire was so deadly that during the rescue operation, five firefighters sustained injuries.
The Indian embassy in Kuwait informed that more than 30 were injured in the fire accident. Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited Al-Adan Hospital, where the injured Indian nationals have been admitted and assured full assistance. The embassy said all the condition of the injured are reported to be stable.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait posted on X.”In connection with the tragic fire accident involving Indian workers today, the Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246. All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. The embassy remains committed to render all possible assistance.”
In connection with the tragic fire-accident involving Indian workers today, Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246.
All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. Embassy remains committed to render all possible assistance. https://t.co/RiXrv2oceo
— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) June 12, 2024
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also wrote on X, “Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait City. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalized. Our Ambassador has gone to the camp. We are awaiting further information.”
“Deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. Wish early and full recovery to those who have been injured. Our Embassy will render the fullest assistance to all concerned in this regard,” he added.
Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s Deputy PM and interior minister, ordered a detailed probe of the incident and to detain the janitor of the Mangaf building, the building’s owner along with the owner of the company that employed the workers till the end of the, according to the Kuwait Times.
The minister further said, “What happened today is a result of the company’s and building owners’ greed.”
He said that he ordered the Municipality and the Public Authority for Manpower to take action against all such violators and make sure that all safety requirements are in place in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.
PM Modi expressed his condolences for the families of the victims and shared a post on X, “The fire mishap in Kuwait City is saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working with the authorities there to assist the affected.”
The fire mishap in Kuwait City is saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working with the authorities there to assist… https://t.co/cb7GHN6gmX
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2024
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also informed on X that PM Modi has directed MoS for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh to visit Kuwait and to coordinate with local authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains of those who have died in this unfortunate incident.
