Kuwait fire claims 49 lives: Indian Embassy establishes helpline for family members to get in touch

In an unfortunate and tragic fire incident earlier on June 12 in a labour housing facility in Mangaf area, at least 42 Indians are understood to have died and more than 50 injured. Those injured have been admitted to five government hospitals and receiving proper attention.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is ascertaining the full details from the concerned authorities in the Gulf nation. Adarsh Swaika, ambassador of India in Kuwait, immediately visited the location of the incident and also the hospitals to monitor the situation.

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…

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 12, 2024

Indian Embassy puts in place emergency helpline number

On the directions of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh has arrived in Kuwait to work towards early repatriation of mortal remains and for medical assistance to those injured, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

The Indian Embassy continues to remain in touch with local authorities to provide relief to those affected in the unfortunate incident. It has established a helpline +965-65505246 for family members to get in touch. Regular updates are being provided through the helpline.

On the directions of PM @narendramodi ji, MoS @KVSinghMPGonda arrived in Kuwait and immediately rushed to Jaber hospital to ascertain well being of injured Indians in the fire incident yesterday. He met the 6 injured admitted at the hospital. All of them are safe. pic.twitter.com/p7DrKItfIM

— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) June 13, 2024

Minister Singh said DNA tests were being carried out to identify the victims. “An Air Force plane is on the ready. As soon as the bodies are identified, the kin will be informed and our Air Force plane will bring the bodies back,” he told ANI.

Media reports suggest the building in the Mangaf area housed around 196 migrant workers. Besides the 42 Indians among 49 killed in the tragic fire, the remaining victims are reportedly from Pakistan, Egypt, Nepal and the Philippines.

Concerns raised over overcrowded labour housing facilities

Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and acting Interior Minister, Sheikh Fahad Yusuf al-Sabha, has accused property owners of greed and said violations of building standards had led to the tragedy. “This is the result of the violations,” he told Reuters.

There are suggestions that the Mangaf area building may have been overcrowded. 2/3 of the Kuwaiti population is made up of foreign workers and the country is highly dependent on migrant labour. Rights groups have raised concerns over their living conditions.