Kuwait: At least 49 people, including several Malayalis, were killed in a massive fire in a six-storeyed building at Mangaf block in Kuwait's Ahmadi Governorate on Wednesday. According to reports, the casualties also include people from other Indian states such as Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
Out of the 35 placed under intensive care, the condition of seven is understood to be critical. At least five people are on ventilator support.

The identities of nine Malayalis, who died in the accident, have been confirmed. Pandalam-native Akash S Nair (23), Kollam Pooyappally-native Umarudheen Shameer (33), Kottayam Pampady-native Stefin Abraham Sabu (29) and Kasaragod natives Rengith K R (33) and Kelu Ponmaleri (55), Pathanamthitta Vazhamuttom-native P V Muraleedharan, Kollam Punalur native Sajan George, Kollam Velichikala native Lukose (48) and Konni native Saju Varghese (56).

The names of other Indians, who were killed in the fire are Thomas Joseph, Praveen Madhav, Bhoonath Richard Roy Anand, Anil Giri, Muhammad Shareef, Dwarikesh Patnaik, Viswas Krishnan, Arun Babu, Raymond, Jesus Lopez and Denny Baby Karunakaran. The identities of all the deceased persons are yet to be confirmed by the authorities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered a relief of Rs 2 lakh each to the bereaved Indian families.

The building, which accommodates over 195 labourers from the nearby commercial area, housed people from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and North India. The building belongs to NBTC group. Employees at NBTC's supermarket also lived in the building.

Deputy PM orders action
Kuwait Deputy Prime Minister Fahad Yusuf Al-Sabah visited the site and ordered a police inquiry in the matter. He has instructed the police to detain the owner of the building, its janitor, and the employer of the workers living there until the conclusion of the criminal investigation into the fire. He has also directed the Kuwait Municipality and the Public Authority for Manpower to take immediate action to address similar violations, where a large number of workers are crowded into residential buildings. 

The incident was reported to authorities at 6:00 am local time (0300 GMT), Major General Eid Rashed Hamad said."The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there was a large number of workers there. Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire," another senior police commander told state TV. "We always alert and warn against" cramming too many workers into housing accommodation," he said, without providing details on the workers' type of employment or place of origin.

Indian Embassy opens helpline
"In connection with the tragic fire-accident involving Indian workers today, Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246. All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. Embassy remains committed to render all possible assistance," the Indian Embassy in Kuwait said in a post on X.

"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," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a post on X.

"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," he added.

The incident
The fire originated from a kitchen in one of the lower floors within the labour camp at 4.30 am on Wednesday. Preliminary investigation suggests that a short circuit led to the fire. According to sources, the fire quickly spread to all the rooms in the apartment. The presence of gas cylinders aggravated matters.

A few individuals, who leaped out of the apartment upon noticing the blaze, were killed. Others succumbed to burn injuries and suffocated due to smoke inhalation. Several people, who were injured in the fire, have been admitted to Adan, Jaber and Mubarak hospitals. The fire has been contained.