Deadly Fire in Kuwait City Claims Dozens of Lives, Many Indian Workers Affected
A fire broke out in a six-story building in Kuwait City, which housed nearly 160 workers from the same company. Eyewitnesses reported that some people jumped from the fifth floor to escape the flames, resulting in fatalities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X, stating, “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. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working with the authorities there to assist the affected.”
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said the Indian ambassador has visited the site of the incident. “Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait City. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalized. Our Ambassador has gone to the camp. We are awaiting further information,” he said.
The Indian embassy in Kuwait has issued a helpline number, +965-65505246, and stated that some Indian workers were involved in the fire accident and they are providing all possible assistance. Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited Al-Adan hospital, where over 30 Indian workers injured in the fire are being treated, and assured them of full support from the embassy. Hospital authorities reported that almost all patients are stable.
Junior Foreign Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh will travel to Kuwait to help the injured and coordinate with local authorities for the early repatriation of those who died. “As directed by PM Narendra Modi, MoS for External Affairs KV Singh is urgently travelling to Kuwait to oversee assistance to those injured in the fire tragedy and to coordinate with local authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains of those who have died in this unfortunate incident,” said a spokesperson.
Indians make up 21 percent (1 million) of Kuwait’s total population and 30 percent (approximately 900,000) of its workforce.
A senior police officer told Reuters that the building was used to house workers, and many were rescued, but unfortunately, several deaths occurred due to smoke inhalation. Authorities had previously warned against overcrowding in worker accommodations. The fire was eventually contained, and the cause is under investigation. Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad al-Yousuf al-Sabah visited the site and ordered the arrest of the building’s owner, attributing the tragedy to the greed of real estate owners.
