Indian Workers Among 41 Dead in Kuwait Building Fire; Indian Embassy issues Helpline Numbers

Several Indian workers are feared to be among 41 people killed in a major fire at a building housing workers in the southern part of Kuwait on Wednesday. As per reports, the incident, which occurred at 6 am local time injured several people present in the building, among the victims, a significant number were Indians, primarily from Kerala. Authorities contained the fire and commenced an investigation to determine its cause.

The fire engulfed a six-story building housing workers, predominantly from the same organization, where nearly 160 individuals were reportedly residing. Eyewitnesses reported desperate attempts to escape, including some individuals jumping from the fifth floor, resulting in fatalities.

Responding swiftly, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait established an emergency helpline and extended support to the injured, who are reported to be in stable condition.
The Indian Ambassador in Kuwait visited the injured workers, offering assurance of full embassy support.

Taking to social media platform "X", Prime Minister NarendraModi assured that the Indian embassy is closely monitoring the situation. "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," posted PM Modi.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also expressed his condolences on Twitter, 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. 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."

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, Kuwait's interior minister, ordered the detention of the building's janitor, owner, and the employer of the workers pending investigation. He attributed the incident to the greed of company and building owners, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent similar violations in the future.