40 Indians lost their lives, 30 injured in a fire in a building in Kuwait
41 people were killed and 30 injured in a massive fire in a building in Mangaf, Kuwait on Wednesday morning. 40 Indians are among the dead. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait said that more than 30 Indian workers were injured in the fire incident. The incident took place in Mangaf city at 6 am local time. Quoting news agency Reuters, a senior police commander told state TV, ‘The building in which the fire broke out was used for workers’ accommodation and there were a large number of workers there.’
Officials said that the fire broke out in the kitchen of a six-storey building in Mangaf area of Kuwait’s southern Ahmadi province in the early hours of Wednesday. Officials have started investigating the cause of the fire. It is said that about 160 people lived in the building, who are employees of the same company.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait said in a post on X, ‘In connection with the tragic incident of fire involving Indian workers, the embassy has started an emergency helpline number +965-65505246. All concerned are requested to connect to this helpline for updates. The embassy will provide all possible assistance.’
Tweet by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
On the fire incident in Kuwait city, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said on X, ‘Very sad to hear about the fire incident. It is reported that more than 40 people have died and more than 50 people are hospitalized. Our ambassador has gone to the camp. We are awaiting further information. My deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. I wish the injured a speedy and full recovery. Our embassy will provide full assistance to all concerned in this regard.’
Order to arrest the owner of the building
According to the Kuwait Times report, Kuwait’s Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah has ordered the police to arrest the owner of the Mangaf building. Along with this, the watchman of the building and the owner of the company responsible for the workers have also been ordered to be arrested until the investigation of the criminal evidence personnel at the scene is completed.
“What happened today is the result of the greed of the company and the building owners,” the minister said in a statement after visiting the site of the fire. He has ordered that all safety requirements be met to prevent such incidents in the future.
