Tragic Fire in Kuwait Claims 49 Lives, Including 42 Indians
A devastating fire broke out early Wednesday morning in a building in southern Kuwait that housed foreign workers, resulting in the tragic death of at least 49 people, including 42 Indians. Many others were injured. The local authorities have detained the building’s owner to investigate possible negligence that might have caused the fire in the Mangaf area.
Kerala’s Response
In response to this tragedy, Kerala’s cabinet held a special meeting on Thursday and decided to provide financial aid to the affected families. The families of those who lost their lives will receive ₹5 lakh, while those injured will receive ₹1 lakh. Additionally, industrialists MA Yusuff Ali and Ravi Pillai pledged ₹5 lahks and ₹2 lahks, respectively, to each deceased family.
State Health Minister Veena George and State Mission Director (NHM) Jeevan Babu will travel to Kuwait to oversee medical operations and assist in repatriating the bodies. The Kerala government has also set up a global contact center and help desk at NORKA in Kuwait to coordinate support efforts.
India’s National Response
Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh arrived in Kuwait on Thursday to assist the injured. Before his departure, he mentioned that some bodies were charred beyond recognition, and DNA tests were underway to identify the victims. An Air Force plane is on standby to bring the bodies back to India once they are identified. India’s ambassador has also visited hospitals where the injured workers are treated.
What Happened?
The fire started at 4:30 am in the Al-Mangaf building in the Al-Ahmadi governorate, home to many foreign workers. Most of the victims died from smoke inhalation while they were sleeping. Kuwait’s interior ministry reported 49 deaths, with sources indicating that 42 of the deceased were Indians. Others who died were from Egypt, Nepal, Pakistan, and the Philippines. The victims were aged between 20 and 50 years, with many of the Indian victims being from Kerala.
Kuwait’s Response
Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah has ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the fire and promised to hold any responsible officials accountable. The interior ministry is actively investigating, searching the site for victims, and working on identifying those who died. A senior police commander mentioned that many victims succumbed to smoke inhalation and that authorities had previously warned against overcrowding in such buildings.
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The Bigger Picture
Low-paid workers in the Gulf often live in crowded conditions, and Kuwait, like other Gulf states, relies heavily on foreign labor for industries such as construction. Many of these workers come from South and Southeast Asia. The tragic fire highlights the need for better living conditions and safety measures for foreign workers in the region.
