Indians among 41 killed in Kuwait's fire incident, Jaishankar ensures assistance of Embassy

Several Indians are feared to be among the 41 who were killed after a fire engulfed a building housing migrant workers in southern Kuwait's Mangaf city on June 12, according to Kuwaiti authorities. Many others were injured. 
 

"The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there was a large number of workers there," a senior police commander told state TV, as quoted by news agency Reuters. 

Meanwhile, Indians are feared to be among the 41 people who lost their lives in the fire incident, as per a report by PTI. The report also mentioned that nearly 160 people were staying in the building in question and many workers staying there were from India.

"Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire," the official additionally said.


Adarsh Swaika, Ambassador of India to Kuwait visited the Al-Adan hospital where over 30 Indian workers injured in today’s fire incident have been admitted. He met a number of patients and assured them of full assistance from the Embassy. Almost all are reported to be stable by hospital authorities.


Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar offered condolences to the families of the victims and assured that the Indian Embassy in Kuwait will assist in the matter.  
 

Taking to the microblogging site X, Jaishankar wrote, “Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait city. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalised. 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.”
 

While the investigation into the cause of the fire is under way, a police official pointed that there is overcrowding in worker housing. "We always alert and warn against" cramming too many workers into such accommodations, he said.
 

The Kuwaiti health ministry reported 43 people hospitalised due to the fire, including four who died after admission. It was unclear if those deaths were included in the initial police count of 41 fatalities.