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“Deeply Shocked” says Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar as fire kills 30 Indians in Kuwait
Over 160 workers lived in the building that caught fire, all from the same company.
Kuwaiti police officers are seen in front of a burnt building following a deadly fire, in Mangaf, southern Kuwait, June 12, 2024. / REUTERS/Stringer
A fire broke out at a workers’ residence in the Mangaf area of southern Kuwait on June 12 reportedly claiming the lives of over 40 workers, 30 of whom were Indian nationals.
Reacting to the incident, Indian External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar expressed his deepest condolences over the tragic loss of lives and assured Indians affected by the incident full consular assistance.
“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. Our Embassy will render the fullest assistance to all concerned in this regard,” Jaishankar wrote on X.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described news of the fire as saddening in a post on social media platform X. "My thoughts are with all those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest," he said.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has released helpline numbers to offer assistance to the Indian workers. According to media reports, over 160 workers lived in the building that caught fire, all from the same company. Most Indians, who died in the fire were from the southern state of Kerala, according to a letter written by Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to India's foreign minister that was shared with the press.
In connection with the tragic fire-accident involving Indian workers today, Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246.
— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) June 12, 2024
All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. Embassy remains committed to render all possible assistance. https://t.co/RiXrv2oceo
According to news agency Reuters, the fire was contained and authorities were investigating its cause, officials said.
"The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there was a large number of workers there. Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire," another senior police commander told state TV.
"We always alert and warn against" cramming too many workers into housing accommodation, he said as quoted by Reuters.
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