40 Indians killed in fire at Kuwait building housing workers, 30 injured

A fire tore through a building housing migrant workers in southern Kuwait early on Wednesday, killing 40 Indians and injuring dozens more.

The building was built by NBTC, the biggest construction group in Kuwait. According to local media reports, the fire started in a kitchen in a six-storey building in Mangaf city at around 6 am local time. Kuwait’s Interior Ministry in a statement confirmed that the death toll reached 49 by Wednesday evening.

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.

The building was built by NBTC, the biggest construction group in Kuwait. KG Abraham, an Indian-origin businessman, is the company’s Managing Director and partner. NBTC had rented the building to house more than 195 workers. Employees of the NBTC supermarket were also staying in the building.

The group is yet to react on the incident.

“The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there was a large number of workers there,” a senior police commander told state TV, as quoted by news agency Reuters.

“Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire,” the official added.

Authorities said they were investigating the cause of the fire. One police official noted concerns about overcrowding in worker housing. “We always alert and warn against cramming too many workers into such accommodations,” he said.

PM MODI EXPRESSES GRIEF OVER KUWAIT FIRE
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the fire mishap in Kuwait City is saddening and prayed for the recovery of those injured in the blaze.

“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,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi has directed MoS for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, to urgently travel to Kuwait to oversee assistance to those injured in the fire tragedy.

Kirti Vardhan Singh has also been asked to coordinate with local authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains of those who have died in the fire incident.

Nearly 160 people were staying in the building in question and many workers staying there were from India. Most of the workers staying in the building were Indian nationals from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and northern states.

Those who died ranged in age from 20 to 50 years, according to local media reports.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246.

Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited the injured Indian workers receiving medical treatment at the Al-Adan hospital. Over 30 Indian nationals were injured in the blaze.

“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,” the Indian embassy said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar offered condolences to the victims’ families. “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 said.

Indians are among the largest expatriate community of Kuwait, with the Gulf nation attracting thousands of workers, mostly from south India.

Eleven people from Kerala are feared to be among the Indian nationals killed in the Kuwait fire. The state government is waiting for official confirmation on the number.

Meanwhile, the Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Department has stated that it is collecting information about whether any persons from the state are among the casualties reported in the Kuwait fire incident.

The department said that upon learning about the devastating fire, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin directed them to get details and provide necessary help to Tamils who have been affected due to the incident.