A deadly fire in Kuwait’s southern district of Al-Mangaf has claimed the lives of at least 49 migrant workers, including around 40 Indian citizens. The fire broke out in an apartment building in Kuwait’s Al Ahmadi Governorate early on Wednesday, resulting in more than a dozen injuries.
The building houses over 195 workers, primarily Indians from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and north India, The Arab Times reported.
“A large number of workers were present in the building where the fire occurred. Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately, many deaths resulted from inhaling smoke from the fire,” a senior police commander told state TV.
“We always advise against cramming too many workers into accommodations,” he added.
Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad al-Yousuf al-Sabah ordered the arrest of the building’s owner during a visit to the site.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh will be leaving for Kuwait to oversee assistance to injured Indians and ensure the prompt repatriation of the deceased.
The MEA said in a statement that over 50 people suffered injuries, and the condition of most of them was stable.
Kuwait’s Health Ministry said the injured were admitted to several hospitals: 21 to Al-Adan Hospital, 11 to Mubarak Hospital, six to Farwaniya Hospital, and one to Al-Amiri.
Prime Minister Modi, who called the fire mishap “saddening,” announced ex gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased Indian nationals from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.
Known for having the world’s sixth-largest oil reserves, Kuwait has a population of about 4.2 million, including a large community of migrant workers. There are at least 1 million Indians, outnumbering the local population.
