Tragic Building Fire in Kuwait Claims 40 Indian Lives; PM Modi Convenes Emergency Meeting

A very devastating fire broke out in a high-rise building in Kuwait that claimed the lives of forty Indian nationals. Sadly among the forty-nine individuals that lost their lives, forty were Indians and over fifty others were injured during a fire incident at Mangaf city of Kuwait. This unfolding tragedy has shaken the entire nation leading to an emergency meeting held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on how best such affected families can be helped through this tough moment.

(Photo credit: PTI) Tragic Building Fire in Kuwait Claims 40 Indian Lives

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Details of The Fire

The fire started at 4:30 am local time in the kitchen of a residential building. By the time authorities were notified at 6 am,  it had spread quickly, trapping many inside. According to the Kuwait Times,  about 195 workers from the same company lived in the building. The Arab Times reports that most of those who passed away were from Kerala, Tamil Nadu,  and various northern Indian states,  and they were between 20 and 50 years old. 

According to the records available,  some people continue to be trapped within the building although the fires have been contained. The testimonies also indicate that it belongs to NBTC Group and is owned by a Malayali businessperson named KG Abraham. This building was said to have hosted workers from India such as Kerala, and Tamil Nadu among others including those hailing from North India.

The cause of the building fire in Kuwait that led to the deaths of 40 Indians is still under investigation. However,  according to reports,  the fire started in the kitchen on the ground floor of the six-story building in the Mangaf area of Kuwait's southern Ahmadi Governorate. The fire rapidly spread through the residential apartment,  tragically claiming the lives of at least 49 people,  including several from the Indian community. They mentioned that most of these deaths happened because of smoke inhalation while people were sleeping,  and added that a lot of residents were safely evacuated.

 The Kuwaiti authorities have ordered the arrest of the building owner,  the janitor, and the company owner pending investigation,  and several key officials from Kuwait Municipality were suspended to ensure public safety pending a full investigation.

Following a tragic fire in which several individuals were injured or deceased,  India’s Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar expressed his distress and pledged to provide all necessary help.

"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. 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,"  said Jaishankar.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah,  Kuwait's Deputy Prime Minister,  visited the site and shared his concerns,  noting that he believes the incident was caused by the company and building owners. He said, "This tragedy is due to the greed of the company and building owners". Orders were given to rectify these violations without any delay.

The Indian ambassador to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika,  paid a visit to Al-Adan Hospital, where over 30 Indian workers injured in the fire are being treated. The embassy shared on X that "Ambassador Adarsh Swaika 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."

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that Junior Foreign Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh will be traveling to Kuwait to assist Indians who were injured in the fire. "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,"  the spokesperson said.

The Indian authorities in Kuwait have kindly provided a helpline number, +965-65505246, to assist anyone with relatives living in Kuwait.

PM Modi's Response

The Prime Minister of India,  Narendra Modi,  has sent his sincere condolences to those bereaved families for their loss and committed that all possible help will be rendered to them. He has called for an emergency meeting with the senior officials to deliberate on the matter and align all the required response actions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X said "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," he said. A high-level meeting is taking place at the Prime Minister's residence over the tragedy."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a compensation package for the families of the victims,  which includes a one-time ex-gratia payment of ₹200,000 (approximately $2,500 USD). In addition,  the government has also made a promise to give any help needed which comprises medical care as well as repatriation to fire victims who got hurt or whose life was impacted.