kuwait fire indians: Kuwait Fire: Several Indians killed, Jaishankar calls it shocking. Here is all you should know

In the early hours of June 12, a devastating fire broke out in a six-storey building in Mangaf, Kuwait, resulting in the deaths of 49 people. The blaze, which started in a kitchen, affected a building housing nearly 160 workers from the same company. Several Indians were among the victims. Maj Gen Eid Al-Owaihan reported that the majority of the deceased were Indian nationals aged between 20 and 50 years.

Kuwait Fire: Death Toll and Injuries

Fatalities: 49 people, including many Indians, lost their lives.Injuries: 15 individuals were admitted to hospitals, with four later succumbing to their injuries.
Firefighters: Five firefighters were injured during the rescue operations.

Kuwait Fire: Causes

Fire Cause: The fire started in the kitchen of the building.
Primary Cause of Death: Most deaths were due to smoke inhalation while residents were asleep.
Evacuations: A significant number of occupants were evacuated.

Kuwait Fire: Response from Authorities, Helplines

Indian Embassy Issues Helpline Numbers: The Indian Embassy in Kuwait set up an emergency helpline (+965-65505246) for assistance and updates. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika expressed their condolences and assured support.

Indian Ambassador Visits Hospital:

Ambassador Swaika visited the site and hospitals to ensure proper assistance for the injured. Arrests Ordered: Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Minister of Defence, ordered the arrest of the building owner, janitor, and the company owner responsible for the workers.

Safety Measures: The authorities have instructed immediate actions to address similar safety violations and ensure all safety requirements are met to prevent future incidents.

Suspensions: Engineer Saud Al-Dabbous, Director General of Kuwait Municipality, suspended several officials pending an investigation into the incident.

Kuwait Fire: Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitnesses described the horror of the fire. Flames engulfed the building, causing panic among onlookers. One tragic account involved a resident worker who leaped from the fifth floor, only to meet a tragic end as he struck the balcony’s edge.