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Deadly fire in Kuwait claims lives of dozens
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At least 40 Indians are among 50 individuals dead in a fire at a residential tower in the Kuwaiti city of Mangaf, India’s foreign ministry has stated.
A devastating fire broke out on Wednesday in a building housing dozens of workers in Kuwait City, resulting in significant loss of life and injuries.
Videos shared on social media depicted flames engulfing the lower part of the building while thick black smoke billowed from the upper floors.
Casualties and Injuries
Most of the victims hail from the southern Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with around 50 Indians injured in the incident.
Additionally, three Filipinos were reported dead, as confirmed by Philippine officials, and both Filipino and Nepali workers were among the injured.
Living Conditions of Migrant Workers
The building, which housed 196 workers, is suspected of being overcrowded. Human rights groups have frequently raised concerns about the living conditions of migrant workers in Kuwait, particularly in the construction and domestic sectors where the country heavily relies on foreign labor.
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Response from Authorities
A senior police officer told state TV that there were a “large number” of people in the building at the time of the fire, which contributed to the high casualty rate due to smoke inhalation.
Warnings about overcrowding in such accommodations had been issued previously.
Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf al-Sabah accused property owners of prioritizing profit over safety, leading to the tragedy.
“Unfortunately, the greed of the property owners is what led to this,” Sheikh al-Sabah, who is also the acting interior minister, told Reuters. He emphasized that violations of building standards were to blame for the deadly fire.
Official Reactions
The initial death toll of 49 was updated on Thursday by Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, who reported that one more person had succumbed to their injuries overnight.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “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.”
Conclusion
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issues surrounding the living conditions of migrant workers in Kuwait.
The government’s response and the international condolences underscore the need for stringent enforcement of safety regulations to prevent such disasters in the future.
