Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh said DNA testing is being conducted to identify the bodies of the Indian nationals who perished in a devastating fire in Kuwait. The bodies are charred beyond recognition, necessitating this scientific approach to confirm the victims’ identities.
Singh, who rushed to Kuwait soon after assuming his role as Minister of State for External Affairs, announced that an Indian Air Force plane is on standby to repatriate the bodies once they are identified.
“As soon as the bodies are identified, their kin will be informed and our Air Force plane will bring the bodies back,” he assured. According to the latest figures, the fire in Mangaf city has claimed at least 48 lives, with 42 believed to be Indians.
The fire in the Kuwait building broke out in the kitchen of a six-storey building early on Wednesday, where nearly 200 people resided. Most fatalities were attributed to smoke inhalation during sleep.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the incident during a high-level meeting at his residence last night. He announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those who died and extended his condolences.
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Modi also wished a speedy recovery to the approximately 50 injured individuals. Survivors of the fire are assisting officials in identifying the severely burned bodies.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has been in communication with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. Jaishankar reported on X that he was assured of a thorough investigation into the incident and that those responsible would be held accountable. He also stressed the urgency of repatriating the victims’ remains and confirmed that the injured are receiving the necessary medical care.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has established a helpline (+965-65505246) for the victims’ families. The first list of victims’ names is expected to be released later today. Meanwhile, local authorities have launched a probe into how over 160 people were accommodated in the building, suggesting potential legal action against the building owner and the person responsible for the workers.
In Tamil Nadu, the government has confirmed that at least five of the victims are from the state. Chief Minister M K Stalin has expressed his condolences, and K S Masthan, Tamil Nadu’s minister for non-resident Tamils, acknowledged the difficulties in identifying the bodies, stating they are awaiting official confirmation.
Indians make up 21 percent of Kuwait’s population and constitute 30 percent of its workforce, highlighting the significant impact of this tragedy on the Indian community.
