Tragic Fire in Kuwait Claims Lives of Migrant Workers
Desk Report, June 12, 2024: In the early hours of Wednesday, a devastating fire engulfed a building in Mangaf, southern Kuwait, resulting in the loss of at least 41 lives and leaving numerous individuals injured, according to Kuwaiti authorities. The structure, which housed migrant workers, became a scene of chaos as flames tore through it around 6 AM local time.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait reported that more than 30 Indian workers sustained injuries in the tragic incident. With nearly 160 individuals reportedly residing in the building, a significant portion of whom hailed from India, fears arose that Indian nationals were among the casualties.
Ambassador Adarsh Swaika promptly visited injured Indian workers at Al-Adan hospital, extending assurance of comprehensive support from the Embassy. Thankfully, hospital authorities indicated that most of the patients were in stable condition.
Expressing condolences, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed sympathies to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He reiterated the Embassy’s commitment to providing all necessary assistance in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, with concerns raised regarding overcrowding in worker accommodations. Emphasizing the persistent warnings against such overcrowding, a police official highlighted the inherent risks associated with cramming too many individuals into limited spaces.
The Kuwaiti health ministry confirmed that 43 people were hospitalized due to the fire, with four fatalities occurring after admission. The exact tally of casualties remains uncertain, as discrepancies exist between initial police reports and subsequent updates from healthcare authorities.
In response to the tragic event, Kuwait Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah has called for the detention of the building owner, the janitor, and the proprietor of the company responsible for the workers residing in the premises. This stern directive underscores the gravity of the situation and the imperative of holding accountable those deemed responsible for the fatal blaze.
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