Kuwait Fire: 41 people are feared dead in a massive fire that broke out in a labourer’s accommodation building in Kuwait on Wednesday (12 June). If media reports are to be believed, many Indians may also be among the dead. At the same time, more than 50 people have been admitted to the hospital. A large number of injured are also Indian labourers. Officials said that the fire broke out in the kitchen of a six-storey building located in the Mangaf area of Kuwait’s southern Ahmadi governorate in the early hours of Wednesday.
It is being told that about 160 people lived in the building, who are employees of the same company. It is being told that many of the employees living there were Indians. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait said in a post on ‘X’, “The Embassy has issued an emergency helpline number in connection with the tragic fire accident involving Indian workers today. All concerned people are requested to connect to this helpline for updated information. The Embassy is committed to provide all possible assistance.”
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar expressed grief
Indians constitute 21 per cent (10 lakh) of Kuwait’s total population and 30 per cent (about 9 lakh) of its workforce. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a post on ‘X’, “Very sad to hear about the fire incident in Kuwait City. It is reported that more than 40 people have died and more than 50 people are hospitalized. Our ambassador has gone to the spot. We are awaiting further information.”
He said, “My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident. I wish the injured a speedy and complete recovery. Our embassy will provide full assistance to all concerned in this regard.”
company owner arrested
According to the news of ‘Kuwait Times’, Kuwait’s Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah has ordered the police to arrest the owner of the Mangaf building, the building’s watchman and the owner of the company responsible for the workers until the investigation of criminal evidence personnel at the scene is completed.
“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 incident.
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