Our Bureau
Kuwait city
A devastating fire engulfed a multi-storey building, housing predominantly Indians, early on June 12. At least 49 people were killed, injuring more than 50 others, officials reported. The blaze erupted in the six-storey building located in the Mangaf area of Kuwait’s southern Ahmadi Governorate. 41 Indians, including 11 from Kerala, died in the fire.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Indian Embassy in Kuwait was closely monitoring the situation and working with the authorities there to assist the affected. “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,” he said in a post on X.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has established an emergency helpline. “In connection with the tragic fire accident involving Indian workers today, the Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246, ” the embassy said.
“What happened today is a result of the greed of company and building owners,” Al-Sabah was quoted as saying by Kuwait Times as he toured the scene of the blaze. Kuwait’s interior minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah ordered police to apprehend the owner and janitor of the Mangaf building, as well as the owner of the company responsible for the workers living in the building.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called an urgent meeting of senior officials to discuss the situation. Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh said that he would leave for Kuwait soon after the meeting, as directed by the Prime Minister. He will oversee the relief operations and coordinate with local authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains of those who have died in the incident.
