Kuwait Building Fire: A devastating fire broke out early in the morning in a six-storey building in Kuwait’s Mangaf city, resulting in the deaths of 49 people, 40 of whom were Indian workers. The fire started at 6 am local time (9 am IST), with over 40 people hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the incident.
Kuwaiti officials reported that the blaze originated in the kitchen of the building, which housed nearly 160 workers from the same company. Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror as some individuals jumped from the fifth floor in desperate attempts to escape, only to succumb to their injuries.
The video shows the moment when the Mangaf fire broke out, which claimed the lives of more than 40 people and left dozens injured. The fire started from the storage room of the building’s guard, where gas cylinders were kept, and engulfed the entire building.#Kuwait #Fire pic.twitter.com/N8akVUug4R
— Khizar Ali Khan (@Khizar_Alig) June 12, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X, stating, “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.” A high-level meeting is currently being held at the Prime Minister’s residence to address the tragedy.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed shock over the incident. “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,” he stated.
The Indian embassy in Kuwait has responded swiftly, issuing an emergency helpline number (+965-65505246) and pledging comprehensive assistance to those affected. Ambassador Adarsh Swaika has visited Al-Adan Hospital, where over 30 injured Indian workers have been admitted. “Met a number of patients and assured them of full assistance from the embassy. Almost all are reported to be stable by hospital authorities,” the embassy stated in a post.
In response to the tragedy, Junior Foreign Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh is set to travel to Kuwait to oversee the aid efforts and coordinate with local authorities for the repatriation of the deceased’s remains. “As directed by PM Narendra Modi, MoS for External Affairs KV Singh is urgently travelling to Kuwait to oversee assistance to those injured in the fire tragedy and to coordinate with local authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains of those who have died in this unfortunate incident,” an MEA spokesperson said.
Indians make up a significant portion of Kuwait’s population and workforce, accounting for 21% (1 million) of the total population and 30% (approximately 900,000) of its workforce.
A senior police officer told Reuters, “The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there were many workers there. Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire.” The officer highlighted ongoing concerns about overcrowding in worker accommodations, which can lead to such tragedies. The fire has been contained, and authorities are investigating its cause.
Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad al-Yousuf al-Sabah visited the site and ordered the arrest of the building’s owner. He stated to Al Jazeera, “Unfortunately, the greed of real estate owners is what leads to these matters,” emphasizing the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future. Sheikh Fahad also oversees the interior and defense ministries.
