A catastrophic blaze in a Kuwaiti building early Wednesday claimed the lives of 49 individuals and left over 30 injured. Among the deceased, 40 were Indian nationals. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait stated that the incident resulted in more than 30 Indian laborers sustaining injuries. The event took place at 6 a.m. local time in the city of Mangaf. According to a senior police commander quoted by Reuters on state TV, 'The building where the fire occurred was used as worker accommodation, which housed a large workforce.'
Officials reported that the fire started early on Wednesday in the kitchen of a six-story building in Mangaf area of Kuwait's southern Ahmadi province. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the fire. It is said that approximately 160 people lived in the building, all employees of the same company.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait announced in a post on X, 'In relation to the tragic fire incident involving Indian laborers, the embassy has started an emergency helpline number +965-65505246. We request all concerned to stay connected for updates. The embassy will provide all possible support.'
Prime Minister Modi Expresses Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his distress concerning the event in Kuwait. He wrote on X, 'The fire incident in Kuwait City is distressing. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured. The Indian Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and working with local officials to assist those affected.'
The Indian Ambassador Visits the Injured
The Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, visited Al-Adan Hospital, where over 30 Indian laborers injured in the fire were admitted. He met with several patients and assured them of the embassy's full support. Hospital authorities have indicated that nearly all are in stable condition.
Source: aajtak
Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar Tweets on the Incident
Hearing of the fire incident in Kuwait City, Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said on X, 'Deeply saddened by the fire incident. Reports suggest over 40 deaths and more than 50 hospitalizations. Our ambassador has visited the camp. We await further information. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. Wishing a speedy and complete recovery to the injured. Our embassy will render all possible support.'
Orders for Arrest of Building Owner
According to reports by Kuwait Times, the Kuwaiti Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah has ordered the police to arrest the owner of the Mangaf building. He also ordered the arrest of the building's watchman and the owner of the responsible company until the investigation by criminal evidence personnel is complete at the scene.
Following a site visit, the Minister stated, 'What happened today is a result of the greed of the company and building owners.' He has mandated that all necessary safety requirements be fulfilled to prevent similar events in the future.
