40 Indians killed, 30 injured in fire at building housing workers in Kuwait
Forty Indian nationals were killed in a fire that broke out in a building housing workers in Kuwait’s Mangaf city on Wednesday morning.
On Wednesday, a fire broke out in a building housing migrant workers in southern Kuwait, killing 40 Indians and injuring dozens more. The building was built by Kuwait’s largest construction group NBTC.
According to local media reports, the fire broke out in the kitchen of a six-story building in the city of Mangaf at around 6 a.m. local time. Major General Eid al-Oweihan, director general of criminal evidence, confirmed the initial death toll of 35 people. Six more victims later succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
Kuwait Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah has ordered police to arrest the owner of the Mangaf building, the building’s watchman and the owner of the company responsible for the workers until criminal evidence personnel at the scene have completed their investigation, Kuwait Times reported.
“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.
This building has been constructed by Kuwait’s largest construction group NBTC. Indian-origin businessman KG Abraham is the managing director and partner of this company.
The group is yet to comment on the incident.
“The building that caught fire housed workers and there were a large number of workers there,” a senior police commander told state TV. news agency Reuters,
“Dozens of people were rescued, but unfortunately many died due to smoke from the fire,” the official said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the fire incident in Kuwait city is tragic and he wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in the fire.
Prime Minister Modi said, “My condolences are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover as soon as possible. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working closely with the authorities there to assist those affected.”
About 160 people were living in the said building and many of the workers living there were from India.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has issued an emergency helpline number +965-65505246.
Ambassador Adarsh Swaika met injured Indian workers being treated at Al-Adan Hospital. More than 30 Indian nationals have been injured in the fire.
“He met several patients and assured them of full support from the Embassy. According to hospital authorities, the condition of almost all of them is stated to be stable,” the Indian Embassy said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed condolences to the families of the victims. He said, “My deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. Wishing the injured a speedy and full recovery. Our embassy will provide full assistance to all concerned parties in this regard.”
Officials said they were investigating the cause of the fire. A police official expressed concern about overcrowding in the worker accommodation. “We always warn against cramming too many workers into such accommodation,” he said.
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