Building fire in Kuwait: several Indians among 41 killed; Jaishankar says he is ‘shocked’

JK News Today

Fire in Kuwait: Several Indians are expected to be among at least 41 people killed in a devastating fire at a building in Kuwait’s southern Mangaf district, according to multiple reports. The fire reportedly broke out early Wednesday morning in a kitchen on a lower floor and quickly spread throughout the building, trapping many people inside.

Kuwait’s deputy prime minister said 41 people were killed in the incident, Reuters reported.

According to Onmanorama, 10 Indian nationals, five Keralites, were among those killed in the fire. The building reportedly housed around 195 workers, including workers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The building belongs to the NBTC group owned by Malayali businessman KG Abraham, Onmanorama reported.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar expressed shock over the incident and said the Indian ambassador had visited the camp.

“Deeply shocked by the news of the fire in Kuwait City. There are reportedly more than 40 deaths and more than 50 people hospitalized. Our ambassador has gone to camp. We are awaiting further information,” Jaishankar posted on X.

“My deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. Let us wish a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured. Our embassy will provide utmost assistance to all concerned in this regard,” he added.

Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh ​​Swaika visited the spot in Mangaf to check the situation. He also visited Al-Adan Hospital where more than 30 Indian workers injured in the fire were admitted.

“He met a number of patients and assured them of full assistance from the embassy,” the Indian Embassy in Kuwait said in a post on X.

“In connection with the tragic fire involving Indian workers today, the embassy has established an emergency helpline number: 965-65505246. All those affected are requested to log in via this helpline for updates. The embassy remains committed to providing all possible assistance,” the Indian Embassy said in another message.

KUNA said the fire had been brought under control and authorities were combing the area for evidence as to the cause of the fire.

“The building where the fire broke out was used to house workers, and there were a large number of workers there. Dozens of people were rescued, but unfortunately there were many deaths due to inhalation of smoke from the fire,” a senior police commander told state television.

“We always alert and caution against” crowding too many workers into housing, he said, without providing details on the type of employment or where the workers are from. .

Kuwaiti Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah ordered police to apprehend the building’s owner, the janitor, as well as the company owner responsible for the workers, the Kuwait Times reported .

KUNA said the fire had been brought under control and authorities were combing the area for evidence as to the cause of the fire.

“The building where the fire broke out was used to house workers, and there were a large number of workers there. Dozens of people were rescued, but unfortunately there were many deaths due to inhalation of smoke from the fire,” a senior police commander told state television.

“We always alert and caution against” crowding too many workers into housing, he said, without providing details on the type of employment or where the workers are from. .

Kuwaiti Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah ordered police to apprehend the building’s owner, the janitor, as well as the company owner responsible for the workers, the Kuwait Times reported .