In a devastating incident in southern Kuwait’s Mangaf area, a fire erupted in a building housing workers, claiming the lives of at least 49 individuals, including 40 Indians, and injuring over 50 others, as reported by the Indian Embassy. The building, accommodating nearly 160 people employed by the same company, also saw casualties from Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, and Nepal.
Details of the Tragedy
The fire, which originated in a ground floor kitchen within the six-story structure, resulted in the tragic loss of 40 Indian workers’ lives. Emergency services were notified at 3:00 p.m. GMT, and although the blaze was eventually contained, the repercussions were severe. The building’s owner has been detained as part of ongoing investigations into potential negligence. Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud al-Sabah attributed the incident partly to real estate owners’ violations and greed, emphasizing the need for a thorough inquiry into the root causes of the fire.
Immediate Response and Ongoing Investigations
Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud al-Sabah personally visited the site, highlighting concerns about real estate owner violations contributing to the tragedy. The Indian Embassy promptly issued a helpline number for affected families, while Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed the death toll and provided assurances of medical care for the injured. Efforts to gather complete information on the incident are underway, with affected individuals receiving treatment across five government hospitals.
Impact on the Indian Community and Prime Minister Reaction
The catastrophe has sent shockwaves through Kuwait, prompting swift government responses and expressions of solidarity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of relief measures and directives to extend assistance underscored the gravity of the situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to the families of deceased Indian nationals from the PM Relief Fund and instructed the government to extend all possible assistance to the people. “As directed by PM Modi, MoS for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh will be visiting Kuwait to oversee assistance to those injured in the fire tragedy and to coordinate with local authorities,” said MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal
Recurring Tragedies and Urgent Action
Sadly, such incidents are not uncommon, as evidenced by the distressing statistics of Indian workers’ deaths in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Over 33,000 workers have perished from 2016 to 2021, underscoring the urgent need for robust safety measures and governmental intervention. Despite the economic contributions of Indian workers through remittances, their welfare must be safeguarded through proactive policies and bilateral engagements between India and GCC nations. This incident serves as a wakeup call for authorities to address infrastructural shortcomings and ensure the safety of residents in both residential and commercial properties. It’s a stark reminder of the precarious conditions faced by Indian workers abroad. It is imperative for the Indian government to prioritize their safety and well-being through comprehensive measures and diplomatic engagements to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future.”