Kuwait fire tragedy: 41 Indians among 49 killed, PM Modi expresses grief

Under Prime Minister Modi's directive, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh is heading to Kuwait to supervise aid for injured Indians in the fire and to expedite the repatriation of deceased individuals.

A devastating fire engulfed a multi-storey building housing foreign workers, predominantly Indians, early on June 12, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 49 people and injuring more than 50 others, officials reported. The blaze erupted in the six-storey building located in the Mangaf area of Kuwait's southern Ahmadi Governorate.

A government agency for Keralites living outside the state said it had been told by the Indian community in Kuwait that 41 Indians, including 11 from Kerala, had died in the fire.

According to officials, the fire started in a kitchen, spreading rapidly through the building where nearly 200 workers from the same company resided. Most fatalities were attributed to smoke inhalation while the residents were asleep, and a significant number of occupants were successfully evacuated.

The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry confirmed the death toll at 49, as reported by the Kuwait Times. Major General Eid Al-Owaihan, head of the Interior Ministry’s General Department of Criminal Evidence, stated that the majority of the deceased were Indian nationals from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and northern Indian states, aged between 20 and 50 years.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has established an emergency helpline and is actively assisting the affected. "In connection with the tragic fire accident involving Indian workers today, the Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246. All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. Embassy remains committed to render all possible assistance," the Indian Embassy in Kuwait said in a post on X.

Tamil Nadu Govt to find out presence of Tamils in fire tragedy

The Tamil Nadu government announced that they are currently determining whether Tamils were among the casualties in the Kuwait fire. Referring to reports of around 49 deaths, the government stated in an official release that they are actively collecting information regarding the victims of the tragedy.

In the event that Tamils are among the injured, Chief Minister M K Stalin has instructed the Commissionerate of Rehabilitation and Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils to ensure they receive necessary medical assistance by promptly acquiring information about them.

Additionally, the state government has shared the helpline numbers of the Commissionerate for those seeking assistance: +91 1800 309 3793 (within India) and +91 80 6900 9900, +91 80 6900 9901 (for calls from abroad).

PM Modi expresses grief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the Kuwait City fire, extending condolences to the bereaved and wishing the injured a speedy recovery. He assured that the Indian Embassy in Kuwait is actively assisting those affected. "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," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X.

Assistance for victims

Under Prime Minister Modi's directive, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh is heading to Kuwait to supervise aid for injured Indians in the fire and to expedite the repatriation of deceased individuals.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also conveyed his shock and condolences, stating, "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," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a post on X.

"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," he added.

Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited the site and the hospitals where the injured are being treated. "Embassy is in constant touch with relevant Kuwaiti law enforcement, fire service and health authorities for necessary action and emergency medical health care," the Indian mission said.

Kuwait Emir orders investigation, vows accountability

The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber al-Sabah, has ordered a thorough investigation into the fire and promised to hold those responsible accountable. Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah extended their condolences and prayers for the injured.

Kuwait minister orders arrests, cites safety negligence

Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Minister of Defence, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, ordered the arrest of the building's owner, janitor, and the company responsible for the workers pending the investigation's outcome. "What happened today is a result of the greed of the company and building owners," he stated during his visit to the site, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations.

Kuwait Municipality suspends officials

Engineer Saud Al-Dabbous, Director General of Kuwait Municipality, has suspended several officials pending an investigation into the incident, highlighting the importance of public safety and compliance with safety standards.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and horror as flames consumed the building. One witness recounted a harrowing incident where a worker leapt from the fifth floor, tragically dying upon impact.