Major Fire Incident in Kuwait's Mangaf District Kills Over 40, Including Many Indian Workers

A tragic fire in Kuwait's Mangaf district has killed over 40 people, predominantly Indian workers, and injured dozens more. The Indian government is actively assisting the affected.

On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, a catastrophic fire broke out in a building in the Mangaf district of Kuwait, resulting in the death of at least 41 people and leaving dozens more injured. The blaze started early in the morning, reportedly in a kitchen on a lower floor, and swiftly spread throughout the building, trapping many residents inside.

Among the victims, a significant number were Indian nationals. Kuwait hosts a substantial Indian population, with Indians constituting 21% (1 million) of its total population and 30% (approximately 900,000) of its workforce.

Indian Response and Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the tragic incident, stating on X (formerly Twitter), "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." He also assured that the Indian Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and working with local authorities to assist those affected.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also conveyed his shock and grief over the incident. He noted that the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, has been actively involved in the response, visiting both the site of the fire and the Al-Adan hospital, where over 30 injured Indian workers have been admitted. Jaishankar promised full support from the Indian government in his post on X.

Embassy Actions and Community Support

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has set up an emergency helpline (965-65505246) for updates and assistance. Ambassador Adarsh Swaika has assured the injured workers of full support from the embassy, reinforcing the commitment to aid all affected individuals.

Political Reactions and Concerns

Indian political leaders have also voiced their concerns. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal highlighted the incident as a stark reminder of the poor living conditions that many Indian laborers face in the Middle East. He called for the Indian government to collaborate with their counterparts to ensure better housing facilities and safety measures for Indian citizens abroad.

Investigation and Accountability

The Kuwaiti authorities have brought the fire under control and are investigating its cause. Reports indicate that the building, owned by NBTC group, housed around 195 laborers, including workers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The building owner, janitor, and the responsible company's owner have been apprehended as part of the investigation. Kuwait’s Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah has condemned the greed of the company and building owners for cramming too many workers into inadequate housing, which likely contributed to the high casualty rate.

Conclusion

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for improved living and working conditions for laborers in Kuwait and other parts of the Middle East. As investigations continue, both the Indian and Kuwaiti authorities are working to ensure that justice is served and that such a disaster does not occur again.