A fire broke out in a building in Mangaf, Kuwait, housing around 195 laborers from neighboring commercial areas, including individuals from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and North India. The fire resulted in at least 35 fatalities.
A tragic fire erupted in a building accommodating workers in the city of Mangaf in southern Kuwait early on Wednesday, claiming the lives of at least 35 people, including 4 Indians. Authorities were alerted to the incident at 6:00 a.m. local time (0300 GMT), stated Major General Eid Rashed Hamad.
🚨🇰🇼BREAKING: AT LEAST 35 DEAD AFTER BUILDING CATCHES FIRE IN KUWAIT
Firefighters are tackling a blaze in a large apartment complex in the city of Mangaf in southern Kuwait.
The cause of the fire is unclear at present.
Source: Reuters pic.twitter.com/F0BATBfNZR
The Kuwaiti health ministry reported that around 43 individuals were hospitalized due to the fire, with four of them succumbing to their injuries. It remains unclear whether these four fatalities are in addition to the 35 reported by the police. According to reports, 2 Keralites are among the Indians who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
The building, which housed approximately 195 laborers from the nearby commercial area, accommodated individuals from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and North India. It is owned by the NBTC group, which is owned by Malayali businessman KG Abraham.
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed grief over the tragic incident.
Taking to X, he wrote, "Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait city. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalized. Our Ambassador has gone to the camp. We are awaiting further information. Deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. Wish early and full recovery to those who have been injured. Our Embassy will render the fullest assistance to all concerned in this regard.
Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait city. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalized. Our Ambassador has gone to the camp. We are awaiting further information.
Deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost…
In connection with the tragic fire-accident involving Indian workers today, Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246.
All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. Embassy remains committed to render all possible assistance. https://t.co/RiXrv2oceo
India's Ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika meanwhile visited the Al-Adan hospital where over 30 Indian workers injured in today’s fire incident have been admitted.
Amb visited the Al-Adan hospital where over 30 Indian workers injured in today’s fire incident have been admitted. He met a number of patients and assured them of full assistance from the Embassy. Almost all are reported to be stable by hospital authorities. pic.twitter.com/p0LeaErguF
— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt)