Kuwait fire: Five Indians among 41 dead in building fire in Kuwait's Mangaf

Kuwait fire: A devastating fire has claimed the lives of more than 40 persons in southern Mangaf district of Kuwait, according to the state-run Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). The fire broke out early Wednesday morning, reportedly originating in a kitchen on a lower floor. It rapidly spread throughout the building, trapping many residents inside.

The Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister was reporting as saying by a news agency that the death toll had risen to 41. Among the victims were five Keralites, as confirmed by Onmanorama. The building, which housed around 195 labourers, including workers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, belongs to the NBTC group, owned by Malayali businessman KG Abraham.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his shock and sorrow over the incident. "Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait city. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and more than 50 have been hospitalised. Our Ambassador has gone to the camp," Jaishankar posted on X.

He extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to those injured. Jaishankar assured that the Indian Embassy would provide full assistance to those affected by this tragedy.

KUNA reported that the fire had been brought under control and that the authorities were investigating the cause of the blaze. The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there was a large number of occupants at the time of the incident. A senior police commander told state TV, "Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately, there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire."

Authorities highlighted the recurring issue of overcrowded worker accommodations. "We always alert and warn against cramming too many workers into housing accommodation," the senior police commander said, although he did not provide specific details on the workers' type of employment or their countries of origin.

The rapid spread of the fire raises concerns about the safety standards and living conditions in worker accommodations in Kuwait.  The Indian Ambassador to Kuwait visited the site to assess the situation and provide support to the affected workers and their families. The embassy is coordinating with the local authorities to facilitate the identification of the deceased and the treatment of the injured. Efforts are also underway to repatriate the bodies of the deceased Indian workers.