Several Indians feared dead among 49 killed in Kuwait building blaze

A major fire broke out early on June 12 in a building in the southern part of Kuwait, leading to the deaths of 49 people, with many Indian workers feared to be among the casualties.

Reportedly, the fire broke out in the kitchen of the six-story building in the Mangaf neighborhood in Kuwait's southern Ahmadi Governorate, officials said.

Nearly 160 employees of the same organization, among whom many were Indians, were reportedly residing in the building.

"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," a senior police commander told Kuwait's state TV.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait said that the fire accident involved some Indian workers and assured that all possible assistance will be provided. It has issued an emergency helpline number for any updates.

Indians constitute 21% (1 million) of the total population of Kuwait and 30% of its workforce (approx 9 lakhs), as reported by news agency PTI.

“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,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a post on X.

"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," Jaishankar added.

The janitor of the Mangaf building, the building's owner, and the owner of the company that employed the workers have been detained as of now on the orders of Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, Kuwait's interior minister.

They will be detained until the investigation at the fire site is complete, according to the Kuwait Times.
"What happened today is a result of the company's and building owners' greed, the interior minister said.

Deputy PM Sheikh Fahad, who also oversees the defense ministry further ordered the Kuwait Municipality and the Public Authority for Manpower to launch immediate action against similar violations where large numbers of workers are crammed into one residential building, and ensure that all safety requirements are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also offered condolences to the families of those killed in the fire.

"The fire mishap in Kuwait City is 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," PM Modi said in a post on X.