A tragic fire broke out early Wednesday morning in a building in Mangaf, part of Kuwait's southern Ahmadi Governorate, claiming the lives of 41 people, including 40 Indians.
Several injured people are reportedly hospitalised, as per Kuwait officials. Four people succumbed to their injuries later. Among the injured, five firefighters sustained wounds during the rescue operations.
Incident details
Around 6 am local time (9 am IST) in the morning, A fire erupted in a kitchen within the densely populated six-storey building where nearly 160 workers from a single company, mostly Indian, were living.
The people were reportedly sleeping while this incident occurred. Thus, most deaths resulted from smoke inhalation while the residents were asleep.
As per Eyewitnesses, terrifying scenes of people jumping from the fifth floor to escape the fire were seen. People described the fear and chaos as the building burned. One tragic story involved a worker who jumped from the fifth floor and died after hitting a balcony edge.
As per reports, Rescue efforts were hindered by the overcrowded conditions, making it challenging for emergency personnel to navigate the building and evacuate residents.
Indian Embassy Response
Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited the scene and hospitals to provide support and ensure that the injured received adequate medical care. He confirmed that most hospitalised patients were in stable condition.
Amb @AdarshSwaika1 visited Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, where 11 workers injured in today's fire have been admitted. 10 of them are expected to be released today & one in hospital is reportedly stable. He met with patients still in hospital & assured them of Embassy's full support pic.twitter.com/cAbLhBxspp— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) June 12, 2024
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has promptly established an emergency helpline (+965-65505246) to assist affected individuals and their families.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences via X (formerly Twitter), stating: "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," he said. A high-level meeting is taking place at the Prime Minister's residence over the tragedy.
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… https://t.co/cb7GHN6gmX— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2024
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar confirmed that the Indian ambassador visited the site. He stated, "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."
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…— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 12, 2024
Kuwaiti Government's Response
Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah has ordered the arrest of the building's owner, the janitor, and the company owner. Several key officials from Kuwait Municipality were also suspended till a full investigation.
Sheikh Fahad visited the site, he criticised the overcrowding and safety negligence that led to the tragedy. He said, "Unfortunately, the greed of real estate owners is what leads to these matters," said Sheikh Fahad, who also runs the interior and defence ministries.
Kuwait: A fire broke out in a workers' camp in the southern city of Mangaf. At least 40 people have died, 30 Indians were injured in the fire.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has issued a helpline number.
Emergency Helpline Number: +965-65505246 pic.twitter.com/VVkKWQWXKZ— زماں (@Delhiite_) June 12, 2024
Indian Community in Kuwait
The incident has deeply affected Kuwait's significant Indian community, which constitutes 21% of the country's population and 30% of its workforce.
(Inputs From agencies)
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