News Desk
Around 40 Indians out of 50 individuals lost their lives in a tragic fire at a residential building in Mangaf, Kuwait, as reported by India’s foreign ministry.
The incident occurred on Wednesday in a building where many workers resided. Videos circulating on social media captured the building engulfed in flames at the lower part and thick black smoke rising from the upper floors. The majority of the deceased are from the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with approximately 50 Indians sustaining injuries. Additionally, three Filipinos were among the fatalities, according to officials from the Philippines. Filipino and Nepali workers were also injured. Kuwait has a significant foreign worker population, with two-thirds being migrants, crucially contributing to the country’s construction and domestic sectors. Concerns about the living conditions of these workers have been frequently raised by human rights organisations.
Reports from local media indicated that the building accommodated 196 workers, and there are suspicions that it might have been overcrowded.
A high-ranking police officer mentioned on state TV that there was a “significant number of people” inside the building when the fire broke out. While many individuals were rescued, unfortunately, several deaths occurred due to smoke inhalation.
The officer noted that warnings had been issued regarding overcrowding in such living spaces. Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf al-Sabah attributed the tragedy to the avarice of property owners, stating
“ violations of building regulations had caused the incident.”
He criticised the property owners for their greed and disregard for regulations, which ultimately led to the violations and the resulting disaster.
The initial death toll was 49, but according to Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, one more person passed away overnight, as reported by AFP.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, stating
“ the fire incident in Kuwait City is tragic.”
He mentioned
“ my thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.”
The Indian embassy is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with local authorities. Kirti Vardhan Singh, a junior government minister who departed for Kuwait on Thursday morning, mentioned that DNA tests are being conducted to identify the victims. He also stated “ an Air Force plane is prepared to transport the bodies back to India once they are identified, with the families being notified promptly.
