In a tragic incident in Kuwait’s Mangaf city, a devastating fire engulfed a six-storey building, claiming the lives of 49 individuals, including 40 Indians.
The fire, believed to have originated in the building’s kitchen, broke out early in the morning, affecting nearly 160 residents, who were workers of the same company. Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing scenes of people attempting to escape the blaze, with some resorting to jumping from the fifth floor, resulting in fatal injuries.
Condolences Pour In as India Reacts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over the loss of lives in Kuwait City. In a statement, he extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He assured that the Indian Embassy in Kuwait was closely monitoring the situation, collaborating with local authorities to assist those affected. A high-level meeting was promptly convened at the Prime Minister’s residence to address the tragedy.
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar conveyed shock at the news of the fire incident and revealed that the Indian ambassador had been dispatched to the site. He emphasized the need for swift action and information dissemination, given the magnitude of the situation. The Indian embassy in Kuwait promptly issued a helpline number to offer assistance to affected Indians, facilitating communication and support during this challenging time.
Efforts Underway for Assistance and Repatriation
Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, personally visited the Al-Adan hospital, where numerous injured Indian workers were admitted. He ensured them of the embassy’s full support and assistance, noting that most patients were in stable condition according to hospital authorities. Junior Foreign Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh was tasked with overseeing assistance efforts on the ground and coordinating with local authorities for the repatriation of deceased individuals.
India’s substantial expatriate population in Kuwait, constituting approximately 21% of the total population and 30% of the workforce, underscores the significance of swift and comprehensive support measures in such crises. Despite efforts to rescue as many individuals as possible, the tragic loss of lives underscores the urgent need for stringent safety measures in housing accommodations for workers.
Authorities Investigate Cause as Nation Mourns
Authorities in Kuwait are actively investigating the cause of the fire, even as efforts continue to contain its aftermath. Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad al-Yousuf al-Sabah visited the site, ordering the arrest of the building’s owner. He lamented the greed of real estate owners, highlighting the critical need for adherence to safety regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives in this horrific incident, the focus remains on providing support to the affected families and ensuring a thorough investigation to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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[…] A tragic incident unfolded in Kuwait’s Mangaf area as a massive fire tore through a residential building, claiming the lives of 42 Indian nationals and a total of 49 foreign workers. […]