Kuwait Fire news highlight: At least 49 people, including 42 Indians, died and many others were injured on Wednesday in a fire in a building in southern Kuwait that housed foreign workers. Local authorities detained the building’s owner to investigate possible negligence that could have caused the 2024 Mangaf fire.
At least 24 people who died in the tragic accident were from Kerala, Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) CEO Harikrishnan Namboothiri told Hindustan Times.
On Thursday, a special meeting of Kerala’s cabinet decided to provide ₹5 lakh to the families of residents who lost their lives in the Kuwait fire. They also approved ₹1 lakh for those injured in the incident. In addition, industrialists MA Yusuff Ali and Ravi Pillai pledged ₹5 lakh and ₹2 lakh respectively to each deceased family, as conveyed to the Kerala chief minister.
State Health Minister Veena George and state mission director (NHM) Jeevan Babu will travel to Kuwait to oversee medical operations and assist in repatriating the bodies, as per the cabinet note. The state government also set up a global contact center and help desk at NORKA in Kuwait to coordinate support efforts for this tragic event.
India’s national response: Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh arrived in Kuwait on Thursday to oversee assistance to the injured. Before leaving for Kuwait, he said that some bodies were charred beyond recognition. He said to ANI, “We had a meeting last evening with the Prime Minister, that is the last update we have about this very sad tragedy… The rest of the situation will be clear the moment we reach there…The situation is that the victims are mostly burn victims and some of the bodies have been charred beyond recognition. So a DNA test is underway to identify the victims. An Air Force plane is on standby. As soon as the bodies are identified, the kin will be informed and our Air Force plane will bring the bodies back.”
India’s ambassador visited hospitals where injured workers were being treated.
What happened? A fire broke out at 4:30 am in the Al-Mangaf building, a residence for workers, in Al-Ahmadi governorate, Kuwait. Most victims died from smoke inhalation while sleeping. Kuwait’s interior ministry reported 49 deaths. Sources revealed 42 Indians were among the dead, with others from Egypt, Nepal, Pakistan, and the Philippines. The victims were aged between 20 and 50 years. Most of the Indians who died or were injured were from Kerala.
How has Kuwait responded? Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah ordered an immediate investigation into the fire’s cause and promised to hold any responsible officials accountable. The interior ministry reported that the death toll had risen to 49 and was investigating, searching the site for victims, and identifying those who had died, according to state media. A senior police commander told state television that many people had died from smoke inhalation, and dozens were rescued. He mentioned that the building housed many workers and that authorities had warned against overcrowding but did not specify if regulations were violated.
Low-paid workers in the Gulf often live in crowded conditions. Authorities did not say what jobs the workers had, but like other Gulf states, Kuwait depends heavily on foreign labour for industries like construction, with many workers coming from South and Southeast Asia.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 10:30 PM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: India sends military aircraft to bring back bodies of deceased
Officials in Delhi said the C-130J transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force will bring back bodies of those who lost their lives in the Kuwait fire on Friday and it will first land in Kochi as most of the deceased Indians are from Kerala. (PTI)
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 09:25 PM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: Lulu Group announces ₹5 lakh ex-gratia for victims
Prominent NRI businessman and Chairman of UAE-based Lulu Group on Thursday announced ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased in the tragic Kuwait fire tragedy, which left 49 persons, including 45 Indians, dead.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 08:36 PM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: Kerala health minister leaves for Kuwait
Kerala health minister Veena George said, “We are expecting the bodies of the deceased…we are informed that the bodies will be transported to Kochi. (Kerala) CM has given all the instructions..25 ambulances have been arranged here. As per the embassy, 23 Keralites have died, and the total number of Indians who died is 45…I am going to Kuwait, as per the instruction of the CM and cabinet decision. I will be representing the govt of Kerala”
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 08:07 PM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: Deadly fire caused by short circuit
Kuwait’s fire service said on Thursday an electrical short circuit caused the blaze that killed at least 49 people in a building housing foreign workers on Wednesday. (Reuters)
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 07:20 PM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: 22 people from Kerala dead
The NORKA official said that they have unofficial reports that 22 people from Kerala have been confirmed dead and that the identities of 15 of them have been confirmed.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 06:52 PM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: Kuwait to bring one citizen, multiple residents in custody
Kuwaiti prosecutors asked on Thursday to bring one citizen and a number of residents into protective custody over accusations of manslaughter due to safety negligence after a fire in a building housing foreign workers killed 49 and injured another 49, state news agency (KUNA) said. (Reuters)
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 06:07 PM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: Victim’s family heartbroken
“We just know yesterday morning in all the tv telecasting news, there was some problem in Kuwait. For some burning of some buildings. We knew that Stephin was staying in that building… He has already seen the ticket for coming back to India for his new home at the end of next month. So we were waiting for him. Another tragedy is he already got a new car. It’s on the delivery date of today. So it’s a big tragedy and I don’t know how to survive this typical moment..” said the uncle of Stephin, a man from Kerala who died in the Kuwait fire.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 05:34 PM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: Visuals from Kerala victim’s house
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 05:11 PM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: Kerala man makes daring escape
A split-second decision by Nalinakshan, who was among those in the residential building in Kuwait which caught fire, saved his life. At least 40 Indians are suspected to have died in the blaze. The resident of Thrikkaripur in northern Kerala, found himself trapped on a third floor apartment in the building when disaster struck. In a daring bid to escape the flames, he made a split-second decision that saved his life — he jumped onto a nearby water tank. Though the leap to safety left him with broken ribs and injuries, Nalinakshan managed to survive the tragedy. (PTI)
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 04:44 PM
Kuwait fire News LIVE: Authorities identify bodies of 45 Indians, 3 Filipinos
Kuwaiti authorities have identified the bodies of 45 Indians and three Filipino nationals killed in the tragic fire incident in a building housing foreign workers in the Gulf Kingdom, a top official said on Thursday. (PTI)
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 04:27 PM
Kuwait fire News LIVE: Indian Air Force jet on standby
Defence officials confirmed to ANI that an Indian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft in on stand-by at the Hindan airbase near Delhi for bringing back bodies of Indian-origin persons who lost their lives in a fire incident in Kuwait.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 04:06 PM
Kuwait fire News LIVE: Read related stories
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 03:24 PM
Kuwait fire News LIVE: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya assures full support to Indians
On Thursday, Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya assured full support for the Indians affected by a massive fire in an apartment housing foreign workers. The tragedy killed 49 people, including about 40 Indians. The minister promised a prompt investigation into the incident. This assurance came during a meeting with India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, who is in Kuwait to oversee relief efforts and visit the injured.
Indian Embassy in Kuwait said, “MoS @KVSinghMPGonda called on FM of Kuwait H.E. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya in Kuwait. FM Yahya conveyed his condolences on the tragic incident. He assured full support including for medical care, early repatriation of mortal remains and investigation of the incident.”
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 03:11 PM
Kuwait fire LIVE: Kerala man makes daring escape from Kuwait fire tragedy
Amidst the sorrow and shock following the tragic fire in a residential building in Kuwait, where 40 Indians are suspected to have died, a story of courage and survival has emerged from Kerala. Nalinakshan, from Thrikkaripur in northern Kerala, was trapped in a third-floor apartment when the fire started. To escape, he made a quick decision to jump onto a nearby water tank. Although he broke his ribs and got injured, he survived. Nearby relatives found him and rushed him to a hospital in Kuwait for treatment. “We heard the shocking news around 11 am on Wednesday. He had jumped onto the water tank but couldn’t move. Our relatives found him and immediately took him to the hospital,” Nalinakshan’s uncle Balakrishnan told a news channel. He added that the family couldn’t talk much to Nalinakshan on the phone as he was bleeding from his mouth.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 02:28 PM
Kuwait fire LIVE: ‘All 6 injured Indians safe’, says Indian embassy in Kuwait
After MoS KV Singh met the injured Indian in the hospital on Thursday, the Indian embassy in Kuwait said that all injured Indians are out of danger and are safe.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 02:14 PM
Kuwait fire LIVE: ‘Families should be given ₹25 lakhs,’ says Congress
Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai said, “This is a very sad incident. I express my condolences. Indians had gone there to work and this incident took place with them. The bereaved families should be given a compensation of at least ₹25 Lakhs each…In these times of inflation, ₹2 Lakhs hold no value…One member of each family should be given a job so that they can take care of their family. If the breadwinner of the family dies, in such a sad incident, the entire family breaks… ₹2 Lakhs compensation is very less…”
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 01:55 PM
Kuwait fire LIVE: Family worried about chemical engineer from Kerala
The family of Sajan George, an M.Tech graduate and chemical engineer in Kuwait, was worried because he was not answering calls after the fire in a building there. Though they were waiting for official confirmation, friends told his father that Sajan was likely in the building during the incident.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 01:41 PM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: IAF aircraft on standby to bring back remains of Indians
Kuwaiti authorities are conducting DNA tests on the bodies of those killed in the devastating fire in Mangaf, southern Kuwait. An Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft is ready to bring back the bodies of the Indians who died, officials said on Thursday.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh has gone to Kuwait, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s instructions, to help injured Indians and ensure the quick return of the bodies of those who died.
Officials said that 49 people were killed in the Al-Mangaf building, with 42 of them being Indians. The others were from Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, and Nepal.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 01:28 PM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: Former MoS MEA and BJP leader V Muraleedharan on tragic accident
Former MoS MEA and BJP leader V Muraleedharan said on Kuwait, “The shocking incident of fire and loss of lives of almost 50 Indians in Kuwait is a tragic one. The government has immediately swung into action. The External Affairs Ministry has made necessary interventions. Yesterday late night, the PM conducted a meeting with all the senior functionaries of the MEA including the EAM. The necessary steps are being taken. MoS MEA left for Kuwait. He will hold discussions with the authorities in Kuwait and make efforts to bring back the mortal remains and also the steps required for treatment of injured. The relatives will be in possession of the mortal remains at the earliest.”
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 01:26 PM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: Kerala death toll rises to 24, seven seriously injured
The number of people from Kerala who died in the Kuwait fire has increased to 24, and seven seriously injured individuals from the state are being treated in various hospitals, according to a senior official of NORKA Roots on Thursday.
The Department of Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs (NORKA), created by the state government in 1996, addresses the grievances of non-resident Keralites and establishes a sustainable partnership with them.
Ajith Kolasseri, the acting NORKA Chief Executive Officer, said that according to unofficial information from its help desk in Kuwait, the number of Keralite casualties is rising. The count was 12 in the morning, then 19, and now it is 24.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:33 PM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: Mayawati expresses condolences over death of Indians
On Thursday, BSP leader Mayawati expressed her condolences over the deaths of Indians in the Kuwait fire and urged the government to provide full assistance to their families.
She said in a post on X, “The death of 41 Indians in Kuwait fire accident is very sad. Deep condolences to the families of those who died and wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured. Central Government should provide full help to their families.”
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:32 PM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: Five citizens of Tamil Nadu dead in tragic accident, says TN Minister Masthan
It has been reported that five Tamils were among those who died in the Kuwait fire, according to Gingee KS Masthan, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare. Masthan stated that information provided by Tamil associations abroad revealed the victims hailed from regions including Thanjavur, Ramanathapuram, and Peravurani in Tamil Nadu. The deceased were identified as Rama Karuppan, Veerasamy Mariappan, Chinnadurai Krishnamurthy, Mohammed Sherif, and Richard.
Masthan informed reporters that following Chief Minister M K Stalin’s instructions, efforts are underway to repatriate the bodies and provide necessary medical assistance to the injured.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:20 PM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: Union MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh arrives in Kuwait to oversee assistance to injured
Indian embassy in Kuwait said in a post on X, “On the directions of Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi, MoS @KVSinghMPGonda arrives in Kuwait to oversee assistance to those injured in fire tragedy & coordinate with local authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains of those who have died in this unfortunate incident”
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:49 AM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: Kerala govt says 19 of the state have died in the fire tragedy so far
19 Keralites have died in the Kuwait fire tragedy, says Kerala government.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:43 AM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: Kerala health minister to depart for Kuwait immediately
Kerala Health Minister Veena George and state mission director (NHM) Jeevan Babu will depart for Kuwait immediately to coordinate medical operations there and make efforts to bring the mortal remains home, a note from the cabinet said.
The state government had ordered the setting up of a global contact centre and help desk at NORKA in Kuwait for the coordination of efforts in connection with the tragedy.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:40 AM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: Kerala announces ₹5 lakh to kin of dead, ₹1 lakh to injured
A special cabinet convened on Thursday announced ₹5 lakh for the families of the people from Kerala who were killed in the massive fire in Kuwait. Additionally, ₹1 lakh will be released to those who were injured in the incident.
Additionally, prominent industrialists MA Yusuff Ali and Ravi Pillai conveyed to the chief minister that they would give ₹5 lakh and ₹2 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:02 AM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: Accident triggers crackdown by local authorities on hosing violations
The fire in Kuwait, which claimed 49 lives, mostly Indian workers, is being called the worst building fire in the country’s history. It occurred on Wednesday in a seven-storey building in Mangaf, southern Kuwait, where many foreign workers were housed. Kuwait’s health minister Ahmad Al-Awadhi reported that 56 injured individuals were hospitalized.
According to the Kuwait Times newspaper, this incident has sparked calls for action against landlords and company owners who “violate the law to house large numbers of foreign laborers in extremely unsafe conditions to cut costs.”
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 10:55 AM
Kuwait Fire News LIVE: Families of suspected dead Keralites await confirmation
Even though families in Kerala are grieving the loss of their loved ones in the Kuwait fire tragedy that took many lives, they haven’t received official confirmation yet.
Television channels displayed images of 14 individuals from Kerala who perished in the fire, but their families have stated that they haven’t been officially informed about the deaths yet.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 10:50 AM
Kuwait fire News LIVE: Kerala village shocked by death of resident
Ranjith, who lived in northern Kerala, moved to Kuwait a year and a half ago after celebrating the completion of his new home. He had intended to visit his village for a vacation in July.
However, his village was saddened by unofficial reports of his death in a fire at a building in Kuwait’s Mangaf area that killed 49 foreign workers, including about 40 Indians, and injured 50 others.
Ranjith was known for his kindness and reliability. He was a source of hope for his sick parents, who had faced many difficulties.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 10:48 AM
Kuwait fire News LIVE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin condoles death of victims
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his condolences after around 40 Indians died in a serious fire at a labor housing facility in Kuwait’s Mangaf area on June 12.
In a post on X, Stalin said, “I was shocked and saddened to hear the news that more than 40 Indians have died in a fire in the building where the workers were staying in Mangab, Kuwait. It is with a heavy heart that I offer my deepest condolences and condolences to the families of all the deceased. I have directed the Tamil Nadu Welfare and Rehabilitation Commission to collect information about whether there are any workers from Tamil Nadu. All the injured are being treated in hospitals in Kuwait. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is in constant touch with the Indian Embassy in Kuwait and the Tamil organizations there.”
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 10:29 AM
Kuwait fire News LIVE: Kerala resident may have jumped off in panic
Early on Wednesday, a tragic fire erupted in a building called Al-Mangaf in southern Kuwait, claiming the lives of at least 49 people, including 42 Indian nationals. The fire broke out around 4:30 am, primarily causing deaths due to smoke inhalation while people were asleep.
Most of the Indians who lost their lives hailed from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and other northern states. One victim, Shameer Umarudheen, reportedly jumped from the building in a panic, as per Ommanorama, citing his relatives.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 10:25 AM
Kuwait fire News LIVE: Inaugural ceremony of Loka Kerala Sabha cultural programme cancelled
The Loka Kerala Sabha’s first conference, seminar, and related events for its fourth edition have been canceled due to the tragic fire in a Kuwait apartment complex. The fire claimed the lives of at least 40 Indians, most of whom were from Kerala.
CM office said, “The Loka Kerala Sabha meeting will be held on June 14 and 15 as scheduled. However, there will be no celebrations.”
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 09:51 AM
Kuwait fire News LIVE: India’s mission in touch with Kuwaiti authorities to provide relief to its citizens affected in Mangaf fire
India’s embassy in Kuwait is gathering all the details from Kuwaiti authorities about the tragic fire in Mangaf city. The fire, which started in a kitchen of a seven-storey building, resulted in the deaths of 49 foreign workers, including about 40 Indians, and left 50 others injured. Meanwhile, officials in India have begun investigating this severe fire incident in the Gulf nation.
This incident has sparked demands for action against landlords and company owners who break the law by accommodating large numbers of foreign workers in very unsafe conditions to save money.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 09:31 AM
Kuwait fire LIVE: Two more Keralites identified among 40 Indians killed
After the tragic Kuwait fire incident claimed the lives of about 40 Indians, two more victims from Kerala have been identified.
Lucose (48) and Sajan George (29), both from Kollam city in Kerala, were among those who lost their lives.
Lucose had been working as a supervisor at NBTC Company in Kuwait for 18 years. He is survived by his wife, Shiny, and two children, Lydia and Lois. His family shared that he had planned to return home next week.
Sajan George, an M.Tech graduate from Punalur in Kollam, had recently started working in Kuwait as a junior mechanical engineer, just a month before the tragic incident.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 09:18 AM
Kuwait fire LIVE: Who were the Kerala natives who died?
Among the victims was Vadakkottuvilayil Lukose, aged 48, worked as a supervisor at NBTC Group, led by KG Abraham, a Kerala businessman, according to The Indian Express. Lukose was from Adichanalloor panchayat in Kollam and had been living in Kuwait for the past 18 years.
Shameer Umarudheen, a resident of Vayyankara in Kerala, worked as a heavy vehicle driver in Kuwait. Onmanorama, citing his relatives, reported that Shameer Umarudheen may have jumped from the building in panic during the fire. He was the second son of Umarudheen and Safeena and was married to Surumi.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 08:47 AM
Kuwait fire LIVE | ICYMI: Jaishankar speaks to Kuwaiti Foreign Minister
After the deadly fire in Kuwait that claimed about 40 Indian lives, the External Affairs Minister spoke with his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. He requested that the mortal remains of those who died be brought back to India as soon as possible. Jaishankar also mentioned that he received assurance that a thorough investigation into the incident would be conducted.
“Spoke to Kuwaiti FM Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on the fire tragedy in Kuwait. Apprised of the efforts made by Kuwaiti authorities in that regard. Was assured that the incident would be fully investigated and that responsibility will be fixed,” he said on X.
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 08:45 AM
Kuwait fire LIVE: Many Keralites lost lives in Kuwait fire incident
The fire in Kuwait took the lives of about 40 Indian workers, including Shameer, a 30-year-old from Sooranad village in Kerala’s Kollam district. The Ministry of External Affairs reported that around 40 Indians died and more than 50 were injured in the fire at a labor housing facility in Mangaf. The injured are receiving treatment in five government hospitals in Kuwait.
Shameer’s relative, said, “He (Shameer) left here five years ago. He works for a company in Kuwait run by three people from Pathanamthitta. Two years ago, he came back and got married, and it’s been eight months since he left again.”
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Thu, 13 Jun 2024 08:32 AM
Kuwait Fire LIVE: MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh leaves for Kuwait
Before going to Kuwait to help the injured Indians and arrange for the return of those who died, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, said that some bodies were burned beyond recognition.
Speaking to ANI at the Delhi Airport, she said, “The rest of the situation will be clear the moment we reach there. We had a meeting last evening with the Prime Minister, that is the last update we have about this very sad tragedy… The rest of the situation will be clear the moment we reach there…”
