A devastating fire in a residential building in Mangaf, Kuwait, has resulted in the deaths of 49 foreign workers, including 40 Indians. The tragedy occurred in the Indian Mission Mangaf city, where a fire broke out in the kitchen of a seven-storey building early on Wednesday. The building, located in the southern Ahmadi governorate of Kuwait, housed 195 migrant workers.

Officials from the Home Ministry and the Fire Department reported that the fire started around 4 a.m., when most of the workers were asleep. Thick black smoke quickly filled the building, causing many to suffocate.

Responses and Statements

The Kerala government has confirmed the deaths of 19 people from Kerala in the fire. The government announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased. Kerala Health Minister Veena George will visit Kuwait to coordinate the treatment of the injured and to arrange the repatriation of the bodies.

Tamil Nadu minister Gingi K S Masthan, quoting Tamil organisations, stated that five Tamils are believed to have died in the incident.

The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi issued a statement confirming that around 40 Indians were killed in the tragic fire. On the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh has traveled to Kuwait to oversee relief efforts for the injured and to expedite the return of the deceased to India.

Kuwait's Emir, Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, expressed deep sorrow and sympathy to the families of the deceased. He has ordered a thorough investigation into the causes of the fire and has vowed to hold those responsible accountable.