In a sombre return, a special Air Force aircraft has landed in Kerala, carrying the bodies of 45 Indians who perished in a massive fire in Kuwait two days ago. The aircraft’s next stop is Delhi, as it continues its journey to bring the deceased back to their families.
A massive fire erupted in a six-storied building in Mangaf city on Wednesday, tragically claiming the lives of at least 48 people. Among the 176 Indian workers residing in the housing facility, 45 died, and 33 are hospitalized, according to the Indian embassy.
The remaining workers are reportedly safe. The victims include 23 from Kerala, seven from Tamil Nadu, three from Uttar Pradesh, two from Odisha, and one each from Bihar, Punjab, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Haryana.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has reviewed the tragic incident, announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those who died in the Kuwait fire. The local administration in Kuwait is also investigating how more than 160 people were accommodated in the building.
Gonda MP Kirti Vardhan Singh, who had to rush to Kuwait soon after taking charge as a junior minister in the foreign ministry, was also onboard the aircraft, the Indian embassy said earlier this morning.
Singh arrived in Kuwait on Thursday and visited five hospitals where the injured Indian workers are being treated. The embassy reported that the workers will be discharged progressively based on their health conditions.
Also Read: DNA testing underway to identify charred bodies of Indians who died in Kuwait fire tragedy
During his visit, the minister also met the First Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, who assured him of full support and assistance in the early repatriation of the bodies.
The bodies were charred beyond recognition, and DNA testing was required to confirm the victims’ identities. The authorities have identified 48 bodies, among which 45 are Indians and three are of Filipino nationality, a report quoted Mr. Al-Sabah as saying.
As the country mourns this tragic loss, the efforts to repatriate the deceased and support the injured continue, highlighting the deep ties and responsibilities between India and its citizens abroad.
