In the southern city of Mangaf, Kuwait, a fire broke out on Wednesday morning in a seven-story building housing 196 migrant workers, claiming the lives of 45 Indians thus far. The Kuwaiti authorities have disclosed that DNA tests have been conducted for the retrieval of 45 Indian bodies. Following the incident, India's Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh reached out to assist the injured and to coordinate the repatriation of bodies back to India. A plane from the Indian Air Force is ready to ferry the remains home, according to reports.
Upon his arrival in Kuwait, Minister Singh met with the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait conveyed that Minister Al-Yahya promised full support, including medical assistance and swift repatriation of bodies, along with a thorough investigation of the event. The embassy added that the Foreign Minister expressed his condolences over the tragedy. Minister Singh acknowledged the ongoing support from all related Kuwaiti officials and visited Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, where seven injured Indians are receiving care. Singh reassured them of the Indian government’s commitment to aid in every way.
Source: aajtak
Most Victims from India's Kerala State
According to the Press Trust of India, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Kuwait, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yusuf Al-Sabah, stated that 48 bodies have been identified, including 45 Indians and three Philippine nationals. Efforts to identify the remaining body are ongoing. Officials noted that most Indian victims hailed from Kerala.
Indian Government Takes Swift Action Following the Tragedy
In response to the Kuwait fire disaster, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in an urgent meeting with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, along with other top officials to review the situation. Following the meeting, Prime Minister Modi declared an ex gratia of INR 2 lakhs from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund to the families of the deceased Indian nationals, instructing the government to extend any necessary support.
Source: aajtak
Details Emerge on the Incident
Kuwaiti media reports suggest the fire initiated in the kitchen, with most fatalities due to smoke inhalation. The tragic incident occurred early Wednesday morning around 4:30 am and first responders were notified by officials from the Al-Ahmadi Governorate. The fire broke out when most residents were asleep. The building, rented by the construction company NBTC Group to accommodate over 195 workers, mostly housed Indian nationals from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the northern states.
