Kuwait Fire Kills Over 40: Indian Embassy Issues Emergency Helpline Number

Kuwait fire tragedy: Over 40 Indians were killed on Wednesday in a major fire at a building in Kuwait housing workers. All the deceased were identified as Indians, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait issued emergency helpline numbers. Out of the deceased, 6 of them were reportedly from Kerala.

Taking to X, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait wrote, “In connection with the tragic fire-accident involving Indian workers today, 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.”

Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited the tragic fire-incident site in Mangaf to ascertain the situation. “Embassy is in constant touch with relevant Kuwaiti law enforcement, fire-service and health  authorities for necessary action and emergency medical health-care,” the embassy said.

The fire started in a kitchen in the six-storey building in Mangaf area in Kuwait's southern Ahmadi Governorate in the early hours of Wednesday, officials said.

The building reportedly had nearly 160 people living in it, who are workers of the same company. Many workers staying there were reportedly Indians.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also expressed grief over the incident and said, “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.”

"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.

According to the Health Ministry, the blaze also injured dozens of people. The area is heavily populated with foreign labourers, but there was no immediate information on the nationality of the casualties. After this tragic incident, Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad al-Yousuf al-Sabah paid a visit to the site and ordered the arrest of the building's owner, as per a leading daily.

"Unfortunately, the greed of real estate owners is what leads to these matters," said Sheikh Fahad, who also runs the interior and defence ministries.
Authorities reported that the fire was under control and the teams were investigating what caused it.

"The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there were a large number of workers there. Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately, there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire," said a report, citing a senior police commander's statement

"We always alert and warn against" cramming too many workers into housing accommodation, he said, without providing details on the workers' type of employment or place of origin.