40 Indians Killed and 50 Injured in Kuwait Building Fire; PM Reviews Situation

Kuwait Building Fire: Officials reported that the blaze originated in the kitchen of the six-story building.

'Kuwait Building Fire: A Summary'

In a tragic incident in Kuwait's Mangaf city, a fire broke out in a six-story building housing workers, resulting in the deaths of 40 Indians and injuring 50 others, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The blaze, which claimed 49 lives, ignited at 6 am local time (9 am IST) in the building's kitchen. Nearly 195 workers from the same company resided in the building. Officials indicated that most fatalities occurred due to smoke inhalation while the occupants were asleep.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level review meeting at his residence and announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased. He expressed his condolences and wished a swift recovery for the injured. Following the PM's directive, Minister of State Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh will travel to Kuwait to facilitate the early repatriation of the deceased's remains and provide medical assistance to the injured.

The injured are being treated in five government hospitals in Kuwait: Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer, and Jahra. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that, according to hospital officials, most of the patients are in stable condition.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar communicated with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, who assured that the incident would be thoroughly investigated, and accountability would be established. Mr. Jaishankar emphasized the need for the prompt repatriation of the bodies.

The Indian embassy in Kuwait is coordinating with local authorities and has set up a helpline (+965-65505246) for families to make contact. Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited the affected building and the hospitals where the injured are being treated.

The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, has ordered an investigation into the fire and promised that those responsible will be held accountable. The Kuwait Times reported that First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah has ordered the arrest of the building's owner, the janitor, and the owner of the responsible company, pending the examination of the scene by criminal evidence personnel.

Indians make up 21% of Kuwait's total population and 30% of its workforce. Other fatalities reportedly include individuals from Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, and Nepal.