The Kuwaiti government has announced compensation of USD 15,000 (approximately Rs 12.50 lakh) for the families of victims who lost their lives in a tragic fire at a building housing migrant workers. The fire, which occurred on June 12 in Mangaf, southern Kuwait, claimed the lives of 50 people, of whom 46 were Indians.
According to Kuwaiti authorities, the fire started due to a short circuit in the guard’s room on the ground floor of the seven-storey building, which housed 196 migrant workers predominantly from India.
The compensation decision was made under the directives of the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, as reported by Arab Times. The funds will be disbursed through the respective embassies, including India’s, ensuring swift delivery to the families of the victims.
The Kuwaiti government, through the concerned embassies, will oversee the distribution of compensation to ensure it reaches the bereaved families promptly, providing support during their difficult times.
Following the tragedy, a special Indian Air Force flight transported the remains of 45 Indian victims back to Kerala’s Kochi on June 13. The bodies were subsequently taken to their native places across India. The majority of the victims hailed from Kerala, with others from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, and Jharkhand.
The toll rose to 50 after one more Indian succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment in Kuwait. Efforts are underway to confirm the identity of this additional victim.
In response to the incident, Kuwait’s public prosecutor has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the fire. Several individuals, including a Kuwaiti citizen and foreigners, have been arrested on charges of manslaughter and negligence in adhering to security and safety protocols.
The tragic incident has sparked condolences and solidarity from across the world, emphasizing the importance of stringent safety measures in safeguarding migrant workers.
