Several Indians Among 41 Dead In Fire At Kuwait Building, Many Injured

Several Indians were among 41 killed after a massive fire broke out in a building housing workers in Kuwait's Mangaf city, Press Trust of India reported. The incident occurred around 6 am local time (around 9 am IST). The Kuwaiti health ministry said about 43 people were hospitalized due to the fire, and four of those people had died

The fire started in a kitchen in the six-storey building 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. Eyewitnesses said some people jumped from the fifth floor of the building to escape the fire and died.

"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," Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said.

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

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has issued a helpline number and earlier said the fire accident involved some Indian workers and the Embassy will render all possible assistance.

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. https://t.co/RiXrv2oceo — India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) June 12, 2024

"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.

The Indian Ambassador In Kuwait said that over 30 Indian workers injured in today's fire incident have been admitted. 

Amb @AdarshSwaika visited the Al-Adan hospital where over 30 Indian workers injured in today's fire incident have been admitted. He met a number of patients and assured them of full assistance from the Embassy. Almost all are reported to be stable by hospital authorities. pic.twitter.com/p0LeaErguF — India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) June 12, 2024

The Ambassador met the patients and assured them of full assistance from the Embassy. 

Indians constitute 21 per cent (1 million) of the total population of Kuwait and 30 per cent of its workforce (approximately 9 lakhs).

"The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there were many workers there. Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately, there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire," News agency Reuters reported quoting a senior police commander.

"We always alert and warn against" cramming too many workers into housing accommodation, he said, without providing details on the workers' type of employment or place of origin.

The fire was contained and authorities were investigating its cause.

- With inputs from PTI, Reuters