Kuwait building fire: 40 Indians among dozens killed, PM Modi offers condolences

A devastating fire in a building that housed several workers in Kuwait's southern city of Mangaf resulted in the deaths of at least 41 people in the early hours of Wednesday (June 12). Among those killed, at least 40 are Indian nationals, includingMalayalis, WION has learnt.

The building, which houses nearly 195 labourers from the nearby commercial area, is home to people from the southern Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as from northern India, as per Indian local media reports.

The fire started in a lower-floor kitchen and spread throughout the building. Some individuals died after jumping from the building to escape the flames, while others succumbed to burns and smoke inhalation. Reports said that many of the injured have been taken to Adan, Mubarak and Jaber hospitals.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Also Read |Denmark recalls South Korean noodles over threat of 'developing acute poisoning'

The building is owned by NBTC group, run by Malayali businessman KG Abraham. Employees of NBTC's supermarket also lived in the building, reports suggested.

Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, who oversees the interior and defence ministries, visited the site and expressed his deep concern over the incident.

Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika visited the Al-Adan hospital.

Also Read |UK Hindu community issues first-ever manifesto ahead of British elections

The embassy informed that more than 30 Indian workers were injured in the fire incident.

They are currently receiving treatment. The envoy "met a number of patients and assured them of full assistance from the Embassy. Almost all are reported to be stable by hospital authorities," the embassy posted on X.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar wrote on X, "Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait city. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalized.

"Our Ambassador has gone to the camp. We are awaiting further information. Deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. Wish early and full recovery to those who have been injured. Our Embassy will render the fullest assistance to all concerned in this regard," the ministerfurther wrote.

Sheikh Fahad criticised the real estate owners and attributed the tragedy to their negligence.

"Unfortunately, the greed of real estate owners is what leads to these matters," he stated while highlighting the violations that he believes contributed to the fatal blaze.

The blaze was reported at 6:00 amlocal time (0300 GMT), according to Major General Eid Rashed Hamad.

A senior police commandersaid to the state TV, "The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there was a large number of workers there. Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately, there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire."

He also stressedthe long-standing issue of overcrowded worker accommodations.

Watch |Surged violence against children in Sudan and Gaza amid war like situations

"We always alert and warn againstthis issue", he said.

However, by now there is no information in the workers' employment types. The fire has since been contained, and authorities are actively investigating its cause to prevent future tragedies.

PM Modi reacts

Reacting to the fire mishap PM Modi termed the incident "saddening."

"My thoughts are with all those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working with the authorities there to assist the affected," he wrote in a post on X.

The embassyput in place an emergency helpline number on its official X handle and wrote, "All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. Embassy remains committed to render all possible assistance."

(With inputs from agencies)