Wednesday, 12 June, 2024: A devastating fire tore through a building in the southern Mangaf district of Kuwait on Wednesday, claiming the lives of at least 40 Indian nationals and leaving many more injured. The blaze, which reportedly originated in a kitchen on a lower floor, quickly spread throughout the structure, trapping occupants inside.
Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister confirmed the tragic toll, with 41 individuals losing their lives in the inferno. The building, housing around 195 laborers, including workers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, belonged to the NBTC group, owned by Malayali businessman KG Abraham.
Expressing shock over the incident, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that the Indian ambassador had rushed to the scene to assess the situation. Jaishankar extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, visited the site and Al-Adan hospital, where over 30 injured workers were admitted, assuring them of the Embassy's full support.
In response to the tragedy, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait established an emergency helpline for updates and assistance. Kuwaiti authorities reported that the fire had been brought under control, with investigations underway to determine its cause.
Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah vowed to hold accountable those responsible, ordering the apprehension of the building owner, janitor, and the company in charge of the workers. He denounced the incident as a consequence of corporate greed, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safe living conditions for laborers.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives and prays for the speedy recovery of the injured, questions arise about the safety protocols and living conditions for migrant workers in Kuwait. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stringent measures to prevent such catastrophes and protect the rights and well-being of all workers.