Forty Indians were killed and 50 injured after a fire broke out in a building filled workers in Kuwait’s Mangaf city, the Ministry of External Affairs said. The fire broke out at 6 am local time (9 am IST).
The fire started in a kitchen in the six-storey building, officials stated, the building had nearly 195 people – all workers of the same company – living in it. Most deaths were due to smoke inhalation while the workers were sleeping. PM Narendra Modi held a high-level review meeting at his residence and announced a compensation of ₹ 2 lakh each for the families of those who deceased. He extended condolences to the families of those who were killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery on his handle on X.
The Ministry of External Affairs said, on the directions of the PM, Minister of State Shri KV Singh is immediately travelling to Kuwait “to work towards early repatriation of mortal remains as well as for medical assistance to those injured”.
The injured are being treated in five government hospitals – Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer and Jahra – in Kuwait. The ministry said that, as per the hospital authorities, most of the admitted patients are stable. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke to his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya who updated him about the efforts made by authorities there. Mr Jaishankar stated on X, “Was assured that the incident would be fully investigated and that responsibility will be fixed.” He added that he had urged the early return of the bodies of those who had lost their lives.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the Indian embassy in Kuwait is in touch with local authorities and has established a helpline number +965-65505246 for family members to get in touch.
In connection with the tragic fire-accident involving Indian workers today, Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246.
All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. Embassy remains committed to render all possible assistance. https://t.co/RiXrv2oceo
— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) June 12, 2024
Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited the building where the fire broke out and also paid a visit to different hospitals where the injured were admitted. The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, has ordered authorities to investigate the fire breakout and said those responsible for the tragedy would be held accountable.
MoS @KVSinghMPGonda visited Farwaniya Hospital in Kuwait and checked about the wellbeing of an Indian who was injured in the tragic fire incident in Mangaf. He is recovering well. pic.twitter.com/9G0X3O4NN1
— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) June 13, 2024
The Kuwait Times reported that Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, the First Deputy Prime Minister has ordered the arrest of the building’s owner, janitor as well as the owner of the company responsible for the workers Indians constitute 21% (10 lakh) of the total population of Kuwait, and 30% of its workforce (approximately 9 lakh). The other people who died in the incident were reportedly from Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt and Nepal.
Author: Sangi Roy
Student of mass communication with a deep passion for print media and reading. My hobbies include traveling, exploring ancient history, and visiting museums.
