Kuwait: In a tragic incident, at least 40 people, including ten Indians, lost their lives and several others were injured after a massive fire broke out in a six-storeyed building in the Mangaf block of Kuwait’s Ahmadi Governorate on Wednesday, June 12.
The fire, which started at 4:30 am from a kitchen on one of the lower floors, quickly spread throughout the building, trapping many inside.
According to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the fire has been brought under control, and authorities are now investigating to determine its cause.
The building housed approximately 160 employees of the same company, with many of them being Indian nationals.
Media reports indicate that among the Indian victims, two were from Tamil Nadu, two from North India, and five from Kerala. However, official confirmation from authorities is still awaited.
India’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, visited Al-Adan hospital, where over 30 injured Indian workers are being treated. Swaika also visited the fire incident site in Mangaf to assess the situation, as reported by ANI.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed condolences and assured full support from the Indian Embassy. “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,” he stated.
He added, “Deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. Wishing a speedy and full recovery to those injured. Our Embassy will provide full assistance to all concerned.”
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has established an emergency helpline at +965-65505246 for updates and assistance related to the tragic incident.
Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister Fahad Yusuf Al-Sabah has ordered a police inquiry into the fire and imposed severe sanctions on the building owner.
