A devastating fire that engulfed a six-story building housing dozens of laborers in Kuwait’s Ahmadi Governorate has claimed the lives of at least 40 Indian nationals and left scores injured.
The tragic incident, which occurred early Wednesday morning, has prompted swift action from Indian authorities and sparked concerns over the living conditions of low-paid workers in the Gulf region.
According to officials, most of the deaths were caused by smoke inhalation as the residents were asleep when the fire broke out in a kitchen on one of the lower floors of the building located in the Mangaf area. The Arab Times reported that the majority of the deceased were from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and northern Indian states, ranging in age from 20 to 50 years.
Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, who also serves as the Minister of Interior, attributed the fire mishap to “the greed of the company and building owners.” The building is reportedly rented by the NBTC group, owned by Malayali businessman KG Abraham, highlighting the often overcrowded accommodations that low-paid, blue-collar workers in the Gulf region endure.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has convened an urgent meeting of senior officials to discuss the situation. Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, is set to travel to Kuwait soon after the meeting to oversee relief operations and coordinate with local authorities for the early repatriation of the mortal remains of those who perished. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has established an emergency helpline number (+965-65505246) for updates and assistance. Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, visited the incident site in Mangaf as well as the hospitals where the victims were admitted, assuring that the Embassy is in constant touch with relevant Kuwaiti authorities for necessary action and emergency medical healthcare.
According to the Indian Embassy, Ambassador Swaika visited Al-Adan Hospital, Farwaniya Hospital, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, and Jahra Hospital, where more than 50 Indian nationals were admitted. An expatriate organization president present at the fire site stated that at least 11 deceased were from Kerala. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has requested External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to provide necessary directions to the Indian Embassy to coordinate relief and rescue operations by liaising with the Kuwaiti government. Concerns have been raised over the violations where large numbers of workers are crammed into single residential buildings. Kuwait’s Deputy PM has ordered the arrest of the building owner, the janitor, and the owner of the company responsible for the workers, as reported by the Kuwait Times. Several opposition leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have expressed grief over the incident and urged the government to provide all possible assistance to the victims and their families.
