A catastrophic blaze engulfed a six-storey building in Kuwait's Mangaf city, resulting in the tragic deaths of 40 Indian nationals and injuring 50 others, as reported by the Ministry of External Affairs. The fire, which ignited around 6 am local time (9 am IST), is believed to have started in the building's kitchen, housing approximately 195 employees of a single company.
Authorities noted that the majority of fatalities were due to smoke inhalation, as many residents were asleep and unable to escape the fast-moving flames. Prime Minister Narendra Modi promptly convened a high-level meeting, announcing a compensation of ₹2 lakh for each bereaved family and extending condolences and wishes for a swift recovery to those injured.
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Under Prime Minister Modi's directive, Minister of State Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh has been dispatched to Kuwait to oversee the repatriation of the deceased and ensure medical care for the injured.
The injured are being treated in five government hospitals across Kuwait: Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer, and Jahra. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that most patients are in stable condition, as verified by hospital officials.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar communicated with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, who committed to a comprehensive investigation and accountability for the incident. Jaishankar emphasized the urgency of repatriating the deceased promptly.
The Indian embassy in Kuwait has set up a helpline (+965-65505246) for family members seeking information or support. Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited the fire site and the hospitals where the injured are receiving care.
Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, has mandated an investigation into the fire and vowed to hold those responsible accountable. According to Kuwait Times, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, the First Deputy Prime Minister, has ordered the detention of the building's owner, janitor, and the employer of the affected workers pending the investigation's completion.
Indians make up a substantial portion of Kuwait's population, with around 1 million individuals representing 21% of the total population and 30% of the workforce. The victims also included nationals from Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, and Nepal.
This heartbreaking event has ignited widespread grief and demands for swift justice as officials in both nations work to manage the aftermath and provide support to the affected families and survivors.
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