Around 40 Indians Among Those Killed In Kuwait Building Fire — What We Know So Far

A fire broke out in a building housing workers in Kuwait's Mangaf city on Wednesday (12 June), resulting in the deaths of forty Indians and injuring fifty others, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The blaze, which claimed 49 lives in total, started at 6 am local time (9 am IST).

The fire started in a kitchen in the six-storey building, officials said, adding the building had nearly 195 people - all workers of the same company - living in it. Officials said most deaths were due to smoke inhalation while residents were sleeping.

Those injured are presently admitted in five government hospitals (Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer and Jahra hospitals) in Kuwait and receiving proper medical care and attention, the MEA said.

According to hospital authorities, most of the admitted patients are stable.

Following the incident, Ambassador of India in Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, immediately visited the location of the incident and also the hospitals to ascertain the welfare of the Indian nationals.

The Embassy is coordinating with local authorities to assist Indian nationals who have been injured in this unfortunate incident and extend all possible support.

Following the tragic incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a review meeting at his residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi.

On the directions of PM Modi, MoS External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh is immediately travelling to Kuwait to work towards early repatriation of mortal remains as well as for medical assistance to those injured, the MEA said.

PM Modi also announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased India nationals from Prime Minister Relief Fund.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke to his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya who updated him about the efforts made by authorities there.

"Was assured that the incident would be fully investigated and that responsibility will be fixed," Jaishankar said on X, adding that he had urged the early repatriation of the bodies of those who had lost their lives. 

The Ministry of External Affairs said the Indian embassy in Kuwait is in touch with local authorities and has established a helpline +965-65505246 (WhatsApp and regular calls) for family members to get in touch. 

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