A devastating fire engulfed a six-storey building in Kuwait early Wednesday, resulting in the death of at least 49 people, with more than 40 of the victims identified as Indian nationals. Over 50 others were injured in the blaze, which primarily affected foreign workers residing in the building.
Response and Investigations
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar communicated with Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, who detailed the actions taken by Kuwaiti authorities in response to the incident. The majority of deaths were attributed to smoke inhalation while residents were asleep, officials reported. Significant evacuation efforts were undertaken to rescue the building’s occupants.
Official Statements and Relief Efforts
Following the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, and Principal Secretary to the PM, P.K. Mishra. The Prime Minister expressed his sorrow over the incident, describing it as “saddening,” and announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased Indian nationals from the PM Relief Fund. The government pledged to provide all possible assistance.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh announced his urgent travel to Kuwait to oversee the situation. Kirti Vardhan Singh also mentioned that some bodies were burnt beyond recognition, necessitating DNA tests for identification.
Condolences and Promises of Accountability
The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, ordered an investigation into the incident and promised to hold those responsible accountable. He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
On-Site and Hospital Visits
Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited the fire site and the hospitals, including Al-Adan Hospital, where over 30 Indian workers were admitted. Ambassador Swaika assured the patients of full support from the Indian Embassy. Hospital authorities reported that most of the injured are in stable condition.
Details of the Incident
The fire, which broke out before 6 a.m. local time, started in the building’s kitchen in the Mangaf area of southern Ahmadi Governorate. The building, housing 195 workers from the NBTC group, had residents from multiple nationalities, including Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, and Nepali nationals, apart from Indians. Five firefighters were injured during the rescue operations.
Witnesses cited by local media pointed to the closure of ground passages within the building as a major factor in the high rate of suffocation among the victims. This obstruction hampered residents’ movement and complicated evacuation efforts. One eyewitness recounted a tragic incident where a resident jumped from the fifth floor, hitting a balcony’s edge and succumbing to the fall.
Emergency Measures
In response to the tragedy, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait released an emergency contact number to assist those affected by the fire. The investigation into the cause of the blaze continues, with code violations suspected as a contributing factor according to initial reports by The Associated Press.
