June 12th 2024.
New Delhi: Tragedy struck in southern Kuwait's Mangaf area as a devastating fire broke out in a building housing around 195 migrant workers. The incident, which occurred at dawn, resulted in the loss of over 40 lives and more than 50 injuries. The victims hailed from various countries, with the majority being Indians, followed by Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, and Nepali nationals.
Upon hearing the news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow and held a meeting with top officials to review the situation. He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs. 2 lakh for each of the Indian victims from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh has been urgently sent to Kuwait to assist the injured and arrange for the repatriation of the deceased.
Modi also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed the government to provide all possible assistance. "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," the Prime Minister stated.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also expressed shock and assured that the Indian embassy in Kuwait will provide the "fullest assistance" to all those affected. Most of the Indian victims were from the state of Kerala.
The fire was first reported to the authorities at 4:30 am and is believed to have started in a kitchen. According to Kuwaiti media, most of the deaths were a result of smoke inhalation. The Interior Ministry confirmed the death toll to be 49. Jaishankar, who is closely monitoring the situation, stated, "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."
Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika visited several hospitals where the injured were admitted. The building where the fire broke out was rented by the construction firm NBTC group, which is partly owned by an Indian.
The Kuwaiti authorities have started an investigation into the incident and strict measures will be taken against building owners who violate safety norms. The Deputy Prime Minister of Kuwait, Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, visited the site of the fire and blamed the tragedy on the greed of the company and building owners. The Indian embassy is in constant touch with the authorities and providing necessary assistance to the victims.
The Indian embassy also stated that most of the injured are in stable condition and are being closely monitored by the hospital authorities. The number of casualties and injuries will be known after further details are obtained from the hospitals. "Amb @AdarshSwaika visited the Al-Adan hospital where over 30 Indian workers injured in today's fire incident have been admitted. He met a number of patients and assured them of full assistance from the Embassy," the embassy stated. The Indian ambassador also visited the site of the fire to assess the situation.
The tragic incident has left the entire nation in mourning, and the Indian embassy is working tirelessly to provide all possible support to the affected individuals and their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time.
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