40 Indians Killed, 50 Injured In Fire At Kuwait Building, PM Modi Offers Condolences
According to Reuters, a police officer said that they had alerted and cautioned against cramming too many workers into the housing accommodation.
A massive fire broke out at a labour housing facility in southern Kuwait's Mangaf city on Wednesday, claiming the lives of around 40 Indians and injuring over 50. The incident occurred at around 6:00 am (0300 GMT), news agency Reuters reported citing Major Genral Eid Rashed Hamas. According to the statement issued by India, the Embassy is engaged in ascertaining the full details from the concerned Kuwaiti authorities.
"We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved families," a statement issued by MEA read.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a review meeting on the fire tragedy in Kuwait and announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased Indians from the Prime Minister Relief Fund.
PM Modi Offers Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences after the fire incident and stressed that the Indian Embassy in Kuwait is monitoring the situation closely.
"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," PM Modi posted on X.
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… https://t.co/cb7GHN6gmX
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2024
Kirti Vardhan Singh, MoS for External Affairs is travelling to Kuwait urgently on the directions of PM Modi to ensure assistance is provided to those injured in the incident. He will also "coordinate with local authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains of those who have died in this unfortunate incident," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated.
'Deeply Shocked': EAM Jaishankar Expresses Condolences
Following the incident, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took to social media and expressed conolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the fire.
Commenting on the tragic incident, EAM Dr S Jaishankar posted on X: "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. 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."
Several Indians Among Those Injured
According to news agency PTI, several Indians are also feared to be among those injured in the fire at the building. The building housed nearly 160, all of whom are workers of the same company.
The fire broke out in the kitchen in the six-storey building from where it spread further, PTI reported.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has also put an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246, in view of the fire incident.
"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
As per a Hindustan Times report, the flame engulfed the building quickly and spread through the building, trapping many inside.
🚨🇰🇼BREAKING: AT LEAST 35 DEAD AFTER BUILDING CATCHES FIRE IN KUWAIT
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 12, 2024
Firefighters are tackling a blaze in a large apartment complex in the city of Mangaf in southern Kuwait.
The cause of the fire is unclear at present.
Source: Reuters pic.twitter.com/F0BATBfNZR
Following the incident, Kuwait's deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah accused the real estate owners of violations and greed and added that these factors contributed towards the fire incident.
"Unfortunately, the greed of real estate owners is what leads to these matters," Reuters quoted Sheikh Fahad as saying.
"The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there was a large number of workers there. Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately, there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire," Reuters reported citing a senior police commander.
Without providing details on the workers' type of employment or place of origin, the police officer stated, "We always alert and warn against cramming too many workers into housing accommodation."
The authorities said they had contained the fire and were investigating what caused it.
Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika Visits Injured Indian Workers
As per MEA's statement, the injured are admitted in five government hospitals in Kuwait and are receiving medical attention. The hospital authorities stated that most of the patients are in stable comdition.
Ambassador of India to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika visited the Al-Adan hospital today where over 30 Indian workers injured in the fire incident in Kuwait have been admitted.
There, he met the patients and assured them of providing them with full assistance from the Embassy. "Almost all are reported to be stable by hospital authorities," the Indian Embassy in Kuwait posted on X.
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
Later Swaika also visited the Jahra Hospital, where 6 workers, who are reportedly Indians have been admitted after suffering injuries in today's fire incident.
"They are reportedly stable. Another 6 are expected to be shifted to Jahra hospital today from Mangaf site," Indian Embasy in Kuwait posted on X.
Amb @AdarshSwaika1 visited Jahra Hospital, where 6 workers, understood to be Indians, injured in today's fire incident, have been admitted. They are reportedly stable. Another 6 are expected to be shifted to Jahra hospital today from Mangaf site. pic.twitter.com/PpJnoNAAtG
— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) June 12, 2024
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