Smoke billows (right) after a fire broke out in a building, in Mangaf, Kuwait, on Wednesday, June 12. At least 41 people including Indians were killed, according to officials. PTI
Kuwait building fire: Over 40 Indians among 49 killed; PM Modi announces ex-gratia
The fire started in a kitchen in the six-storey building in Mangaf area in Kuwait's southern Ahmadi Governorate in the early hours of Wednesday, officials said
Over 40 Indians were killed and more than 50 others injured after a devastating fire broke out at dawn in a building housing around 195 migrant workers in southern Kuwait's Mangaf area, officials said on Wednesday (June 12).
The total number of people killed in the Al-Mangaf building was 49 and 42 of them are learnt to be Indians; the remaining ones are Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian and Nepali nationals, they said.
Most deaths were due to smoke inhalation while residents were sleeping, and a significant number of occupants were evacuated.
"The names listed by the hospitals seem to be Malayalees, but these are just assumptions as we do not have any official confirmation yet," a Kerala state government official told The Federal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of Indian nationals who have lost their lives in the fire, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
Fire started in kitchen
The fire started in a kitchen in the six-storey building in the Mangaf area in Kuwait's southern Ahmadi Governorate in the early hours of Wednesday, officials said.
The building reportedly had nearly 160 people living in it, who are workers of the same company.
Many workers staying there were reportedly Indians.
Emergency helpline number
"In connection with the tragic fire accident involving Indian workers today, Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246. All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. Embassy remains committed to render all possible assistance," the Indian Embassy in Kuwait said in a post on X.
Indians constitute 21 per cent (1 million) of the total population of Kuwait and 30 per cent of its workforce (approximately 9 lakhs).
Jaishankar 'deeply shocked'
"Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait City. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalised. 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," he added.
Kuwait's Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah ordered police to apprehend the owner of the Mangaf building where the fatal blaze occurred Wednesday, the building's janitor, as well as the owner of the company responsible for the workers pending the end of the criminal evidence personnel's examination of the scene, the Kuwait Times reported.
"What happened today is a result of the greed of the company and building owners," the minister said in a statement as he visited the fire scene.
Union minister KV Singh heads to Kuwait
He said that he gave orders to Kuwait Municipality and the Public Authority for Manpower to launch immediate action to address similar violations where large numbers of workers are crammed into one residential building and make sure that all safety requirements are in place in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said MoS External Affairs K V Singh is travelling to Kuwait as directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"As directed by PM @narendramodi, MoS for External Affairs @KVSinghMPGonda is urgently travelling to Kuwait to oversee assistance to those injured in the fire tragedy and to coordinate with local authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains of those who have died in this unfortunate incident," MEA said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written to Jaishankar requesting him to give directions to Embassy officials to help in rescue and relief operations.
In a post on X, PM Modi said he was saddened by the fire incident in Kuwait and said the Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation.
"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," Modi posted.
(With agency inputs)
