A fire broke out in a building housing workers in the city of Mangaf in southern Kuwait early on Wednesday, killing at least 41 people, Kuwait's Deputy Prime Minister said. Later, the death count icreased to 49. The incident was reported to authorities at 6:00 a.m. local time (0300 GMT), Major General Eid Rashed Hamad said. "The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there was a large number of workers there. Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately, there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire," another senior police commander told state TV.
"We always alert and warn against" cramming too many workers into housing accommodation, he said, without providing details on the workers' type of employment or place of origin. The Kuwaiti health ministry said about 43 people were hospitalized due to the fire, and four of those people had died. It wasn't clear if the four fatalities were in addition to the 35 reported by police. The authorities said they had contained the fire and were investigating what caused it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grave concerns over the death of over 40 people who were killed in a tragic fire incident in Kuwait. He said that the Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and assured full support to the victims. "The fire mishap in Kuwait City is saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working with the authorities there to assist the affected," PM Modi wrote on X.
Earlier today, India Ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika visited the building where a massive fire engulfed. According to the Indian Embassy in Kuwait, at least 30 Indians were injured in the fire incident. Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, in a statement, expressed deep shock over the incident and assured full assistance to those killed or injured in the tragic fire incident.
"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," said Jaishankar.
(With inputs from agency)
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