40 Indians killed, 50 injured in building fire in Kuwait

40 Indians killed, 50 injured in building fire in Kuwait

A fire broke out in a building for foreign workers in Kuwait early Wednesday, killing at least 40 Indians and injuring more than 50, according to India’s external affairs ministry. Local officials said the fire might have been caused by building code violations.

The fire broke out in the kitchen of the six-story building, which housed about 195 people, all from the same company, officials said. They added that most of the deaths were due to smoke inhalation by residents while they slept. Most Indian victims are from Kerala. 

Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah confirmed the death toll and, during a visit to the site, ordered the arrest of the building’s owner, according to local media reports.

The injured are being treated at five government hospitals in Kuwait: Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer, and Jahra. According to hospital officials, most of the admitted patients are stable, the ministry said.

Indian ambassador to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, visited several hospitals where the injured were admitted. 

The construction firm NBTC group had rented the building for over 195 workers, mostly Indians from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and northern states. NBTC is partly owned by an Indian, officials said. 

Kuwait's Interior Ministry stated that the criminal evidence department is identifying the victims and determining the fire's cause, promising strict measures against norm-violating building owners. Major General Eid Al-Owaihan reported receiving the fire report at 6:00 am (03:00 GMT) in the Mangaf area.

Jaishankar expressed deep shock over the incident and assured that the Indian embassy in Kuwait would provide full assistance. 

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait shared an emergency helpline number: 965-65505246, for updates and assistance. Non-Resident Keralites Affairs also set up a Help Desk with contact numbers: 965-90039594, 965-66893942, 965-60615153, 965-66015200, 965-51714124, 965-55575492, 965-99861103, 965-60311882, 965-65589453, 965-555464554, and 965-99122984. Non-resident Keralites can also contact the 24-hour NORCA Global Contact Center at 1800-425-3939 (toll-free from India) or 91-8802-012-345 (missed call service from abroad).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting at his residence and announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh to the families of the deceased. He expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

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

🔔 Press Release pic.twitter.com/0MnxQ2nm4Q

— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) June 12, 2024

 

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