Massive Fire in Kuwait’s Mangaf Area Claims Lives of 40 Indian Workers
A massive fire in Kuwait’s Mangaf area has caused the death of approximately 40 Indian workers and injured over 50 others. The Indian government responds to the tragedy.
A devastating fire has caused extensive damage to a multi-storey building housing foreign workers in the Mangaf area of southern Kuwait. Approximately 40 Indians have tragically lost their lives, while more than 50 others have been injured. Officials reported that a total of 49 people perished in the blaze at the Al-Mangaf building. The deceased included Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, and Nepalese nationals.
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement late at night confirming the tragic incident. “Approximately 40 Indians have lost their lives in an unfortunate and tragic fire incident in a residential building in Mangaf, Kuwait,” the statement read. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the incident as 'tragic' and convened a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, Prime Minister's Principal Secretary PK Mishra, and other senior officials to review the situation. PM Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for the families of the deceased Indian citizens.
#WATCH | Kuwait Fire Incident | Kollam, Kerala: Visuals from Sooranad village, outside the residence of Shameer (30) who lost his life in Kuwait. Shameer had been working as a driver in Kuwait for the last four years.
— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2024
A fire broke out in a building housing workers in the city of… pic.twitter.com/mz3EsFkUH8
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar's Response
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya over the phone, requesting that the bodies of the deceased Indians be repatriated to India promptly. Jaishankar also took to social media platform 'X' to share, “I have spoken to Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya regarding the fire incident in Kuwait. It has been assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted and responsibility will be established.”
Ongoing Treatment for the Injured
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the Indian Embassy in Kuwait is working to gather full details from Kuwaiti authorities. The injured have been admitted to five government hospitals: Aden, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabir, and Jahra. According to hospital administration, the condition of most patients is stable.
Details on the Deceased
According to news reports, most of the deceased are Indian nationals from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and North Indian states, aged between 20 and 50 years. The affected building was rented by NBTC Group. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has issued an emergency helpline number (+965-65505246) in connection with the fire accident. Notably, Indians make up 21 percent of Kuwait's total population (1 million) and 30 percent of its workforce (approximately 900,000).