Kuwait Building Fire Highlights: Probe reveals short circuit started blaze; local, residents to be taken into custody

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said seven Tamils were among the dead in the Kuwait fire incident, and arrangements have been made to fly their mortal remains to Chennai. The bodies will be handed over to their relatives, he said.

Expressing shock and anguish over the death of seven people in a building blaze in Kuwait City, the Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the deceased and ordered a solatium of Rs 5 lakh to each affected family.

The government will provide all necessary assistance to those undergoing treatment for burn injuries, Stalin said in a statement.

An Indian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft left for Kuwait to bring back bodies of the 45 Indians who lost their lives in a fire incident in Kuwait. The mortal remains are expected to arrive in India on Friday, defence officials told ANI.

Yusuff Ali M A, prominent NRI businessman and Chairman of UAE-based Lulu Group, announced Rs 5 lakh each for the families of the deceased in the tragic Kuwait fire tragedy, which left 49 persons, including 45 Indians, dead.

A sum of Rs. 5 lakh for each of the families of the deceased will be paid as part of this relief fund, a statement released by the group in Abu Dhabi said. The central government as well as the Kerala government have also announced similar relief funds.

The tragic deaths of migrants in Kuwait add to the list of serious risks – sometimes even leading to death – faced by migrants in the short span of the last five years. These crises are a result of a chronic indifference towards addressing migrant rights, safety and working conditions in destination countries.

The repetition of the incidents also suggests that we have not learned the lessons we should have: Migrant issues are only in momentary focus and are topics of debate as long as there is an alarming situation. But considering the strength of the Indian diaspora around the world, especially the migration corridor India shares with West Asia, we need well-thought-out, effective policies to ensure the safety and well-being of migrants from India.

Read The Indian Express opinion here

The Kuwait Fire Force said the fire at the Al-Mangaf building started due to an electrical short circuit. The area where the fire started was in the guard’s room on the ground floor.

In a post on X, the General Fire Force explained that the investigation teams affiliated with the Accident Investigation Department to complete the technical inspection procedures, investigation of witnesses to the incident, and the removal and analysis of samples of fire waste to come to the conclusion.

Kuwaiti prosecutors asked to bring one citizen and several 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. 

The Kerala government said it will provide Rs 5 lakh financial assistance to the families of the people from the state who died in the Kuwait fire tragedy that claimed 49 lives and left 50 others injured.

The decision was taken at an emergency Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the morning, a statement issued by his office said. The cabinet also decided to provide Rs 1 lakh financial assistance to those injured in the incident, it said.

The statement also said prominent businessmen M A Yusuff Ali and Ravi Pillai have informed the CM that they will provide Rs 5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh, respectively, to each of the families of the Keralites who died in the fire.

Pradeep, father of 27-year-old Srihari who lived in the building that caught fire in Kuwait, was able to identify the mortal remains of his son only from the tattoo on his hand.

Pradeep said he was called by the authorities to identify his son's body kept in a hospital mortuary. "When I went there, I saw that the face was completely swollen and the nose was covered with soot. I was unable to identify him. I just could not. Then I told them that he has a tattoo on his hand. Based on that he was identified," Pradeep, sobbing, told a Malayalam news channel in Kuwait.

Srihari had just returned to Kuwait from Kerala last week on June 5. Both father and son worked for the same company. Pradeep has been working in Kuwait for the last eight years.

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. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, serving as the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Minister of Defence, said efforts are still underway to determine the identity of one remaining body.

An Indian Air Force aircraft is on standby to bring back the mortal remains of Indians killed in the incident, officials said in New Delhi.

At least 49 foreign workers were killed and 50 others injured in the fire on Wednesday at the seven-storey building where 196 migrant workers were staying in the southern city of Mangaf.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed grief over the deaths of several Indians in a fire in a building in Kuwait. In a statement, Mann described the loss of lives as tragic. The unfortunate incident has resulted in the loss of several precious lives, he said.

The Kerala government has announced a financial assistance package for the families of those who died or were injured in the Kuwait fire tragedy, which claimed 49 lives, including around 40 Indians, and injured 50 others.

At an emergency Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, it was decided to provide Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to those injured.

Health Minister Veena George, accompanied by State Mission Director Jeevan Babu, will be sent to Kuwait to coordinate treatment for the injured and repatriation of the deceased. Businessmen M A Yusuff Ali and Ravi Pillai have pledged additional financial support, bringing the total assistance to Rs 12 lakh per family of the deceased.

The state is working through the Department of Non-Resident Keralites' Affairs (NORKA) to assist the victims and has established a help desk and global contact centre for support.

The fire, which broke out in the kitchen of a seven-storey building housing 195 migrant workers in Mangaf, resulted in many victims suffocating due to thick black smoke. The Kerala government is also coordinating with the Central government to provide support.

BSP supremo Mayawati on Thursday condoled the death of Indians in a fire incident in Kuwait, and asked the Centre to extend all help to their families.

"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," the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said in a post on X.

Around 40 Indians were killed and over 50 injured in a devastating fire that broke out in a building housing around 195 migrant workers in southern Kuwait's Mangaf area on Wednesday. (PTI)

Tamil Nadu Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare, Gingee KS Masthan, reported that five Tamils from Thanjavur, Ramanathapuram, and Peravurani—identified as Rama Karuppan, Veerasamy Mariappan, Chinnadurai Krishnamurthy, Mohammed Sherif, and Richard—were among the deceased.

The Tamil Nadu government, under Chief Minister M K Stalin's directive, is taking steps to repatriate the bodies and provide medical care for the injured. The state government is awaiting official information from the Embassy in Kuwait and is actively monitoring the situation.

On the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh has arrived in Kuwait to oversee assistance for those injured in the recent fire tragedy and to coordinate with local authorities for the prompt repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased, according to a post by the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. Singh outlined the repatriation plan for the deceased, stating, “DNA tests are being conducted to identify the victims. Many of the bodies are severely burned and charred beyond recognition, necessitating these tests for proper identification.” He further mentioned, “An Air Force plane is on standby. Once the identifications are complete, families will be notified, and the Air Force plane will transport the bodies back to India."

According to PTI reports, the Kerala government announced on Thursday that Health Minister Veena George will be traveling to Kuwait to oversee the treatment of the injured and facilitate the return of the bodies of those who perished in the recent fire incident. Additionally, the government pledged financial assistance to the families of Keralites who lost their lives in the tragedy. Read Here

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed shock and grief over the Kuwait fire accident that claimed the lives of 'over 40 Indians', including many Tamil Nadu residents.

He directed state authorities to determine if Tamils were among those affected.

Stalin conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and highlighted that the Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with the Indian Embassy and Tamil associations in Kuwait. 

Among the deceased were 14 people from Kerala, with victims from districts like Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Kottayam, Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

Families of the deceased in Kerala are mourning but have yet to receive official confirmation of the deaths, despite media reports and confirmation from friends.

"His phone is still ringing. We don't know what to do," a parent was seen telling a television channel.

The fire erupted just after 4 am when the majority of the 196 all-male residents of the building were asleep.

It resulted in huge, thick clouds of black smoke that led to the suffocation of most of the victims, according to officials from the Interior Ministry and the fire department. 

A fireincident at a labor housing facility in Mangaf, Kuwait, resulted in the deaths of over 40 Indians, mostly from Kerala, and injuries to more than 50 others.

The incident has led to the cancellation of inaugural events for the Loka Kerala Sabha, though the meeting will proceed as planned on June 14 and 15 without celebrations.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief and urged Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to ensure rescue operations.

The Ministry of External Affairs reported that the injured are receiving treatment in five Kuwaiti hospitals, and Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh has been dispatched to Kuwait to oversee assistance.

A fire in a seven-storey building in Mangaf, Kuwait, killed 49 foreign workers, including around 40 Indians, and injured 50 others. The fire, which started in the kitchen early Wednesday, produced thick smoke that caused suffocation.

The building housed 195 migrant workers, mostly asleep at the time. Indian authorities are coordinating with Kuwaiti officials to assist the injured and arrange the repatriation of the deceased.

The fire prompted calls for stricter housing regulations for migrant workers.

Kuwaiti authorities have arrested the building's landlord and an Egyptian guard, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause.

The Indian government has set up a helpline for affected families, and senior officials are visiting Kuwait to provide support.

Before departing for Kuwait from Delhi Airport, MoS MEA Kirti Vardhan Singh stated on Thursday, 'We had a meeting with the Prime Minister last evening... The situation will become clear once we arrive there... The victims are mostly suffering from burns, and some bodies are charred beyond recognition. DNA tests are being conducted to identify them. An Air Force plane is on standby. Once the identifications are complete, the families will be notified, and the Air Force plane will transport the bodies back... As of last night, the casualty figures were around 48-49, with 42 or 43 of them believed to be Indians.'

#WATCH | Kuwait fire incident | Delhi: Before leaving for Kuwait from Delhi Airport, MoS MEA Kirti Vardhan Singh says, 'We had a meeting last evening with the PM... The situation will be cleared the moment we reach there... The situation is that the victims are mostly burn… pic.twitter.com/ijqW3QQADM

— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2024

A tragic fire at a labor housing facility in Mangaf, Kuwait, has resulted in the deaths of around 40 Indians, including three individuals from Kerala's Kollam district.

The deceased include Lucose (48), a long-time supervisor at NBTC Company, and Sajan George (29), a recent M.Tech graduate working as a junior mechanical engineer. Lucose left behind his wife, Shiny, and two children, Lydia and Lois.

Another identified victim is Shameer (30) from Sooranad village.

Over 50 people are injured and being treated in five government hospitals in Kuwait.

Carpenters, masons, domestic workers, fabricators, drivers and even food delivery riders and courier delivery boys — to a very large extent, Kuwait depends on the Indian workforce.

With a million-strong diaspora and the largest expatriate community in Kuwait, Indians constitute 21 per cent of Kuwait’s total population and 30 per cent of its total workforce.

According to the latest statistics released by the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) of Kuwait, the population of Kuwait was 4.859 million (1.546 million citizens and 3.3 million expatriates) as of December 2023. Of this, labourers and workers comprised 61 per cent of the total population (almost three million) and 75 per cent of the country’s total expat population. The Indian community remains the largest expatriate community in Kuwait and has already crossed the one million mark.

Often living in harsh conditions — cramped rooms in semi-constructed buildings or in labour camps like the one in Mangaf gutted Wednesday — many opt for Gulf countries not only because of the high demand for unskilled Indian workers, but because the earnings are significantly higher than that at home in India.

Several studies on labour migration to the Gulf region have indicated that Indian workers, even those belonging to the low-skilled category, earn higher wages if they have relevant experience in the domestic labour market. Read Full Report

Kuwait’s public prosecutor started an investigation on Wednesday into the circumstances which might have led to the deadly apartment building fire in Mangaf, which has claimed the lives of at least 49 people, while several others remain in hospital, reported Times Kuwait. Though till now there has been no official word on the cause of the fire, some local media reports of Kuwait have suggested gas leak as a possible reason.

After the deadly fire incident reported at the Mangaf area which claimed at least 49 lives, Kuwait authority has intensified its inspection and as per Arab Times Kuwait, the municipality has found that the Engineering Audit and Follow-up Department in the Farwaniya Governorate shut down seven basements and issued 13 violations to multiple buildings.

Quoting the Health Minister Ahmad Al-Awadhi, Times Kuwait website reported that out of 56 injured in the ghastly fire incident at the labour housing facility in Mangaf area of Kuwait, 11 people have been discharged from the hospital. Though at least 49 people lost their lives in the incident.

The local media reports of Kuwait have suggested that the deadly fire engulfing the apartment building in Al-Mangaf could have been due to a gas leak. As per the Kuwait Times, few local media reports indicated that it could have been a gas leak from the building’s ground floor. Though no official confirmation or reason has been given as yet by the authorities for the cause of the fire which has claimed the lives of at least 49 people, while at least 50 are admitted in hospital.

The Foreign Affairs Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and the Health Minister Ahmad Al-Awadhi met the injured in the fire incident at the Al-Mangaf apartment building, wherein 49 people lost their lives. The ministers met the injured at the Al-Adan hospital, reported Kuwait news agency KUNA.

A mechanic who became a supervisor, an electrician who learnt accountancy — those who perished in the Kuwait fire had worked their way up to a better life, so they could sustain their families back home in Kerala.

Among them was 48-year-old Vadakkottuvilayil Lukose, a supervisor with NBTC group, which has K G Abraham, a businessman from Kerala, as its managing director.

Lukose hailed from Adichanalloor panchayat in Kollam, and had been in Kuwait for the last 18 years. “He was supposed to come home next month for the college admission of his eldest daughter, Lidiya, who cleared class 12 with A-plus in all subjects. Lukose was excited and proud of her results. Before moving to Kuwait, he was a mechanic back home,” said L Shaji, a member of the panchayat.

He is survived by his wife Shiny, a homemaker, and two daughters — Loys, who studies in class 5, and Lidiya. Read Full Report

After the fire incident which claimed the lives of at least 49 people in an apartment building, Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works and Minister of Municipality Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan has suspended officials from the Al-Ahmadi Municipal branch. The administrators have been suspended pending an inquiry into the fire incident, the Kuwait Times reported quoting KUNA news agency.

In a condolence message sent by the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Wednesday to the families of the victims of fire incident, the Emir expressed his deep sympathy and sorrow towards the victims and their family members while he also wished those injured a fast recovery.

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has ordered a probe into the fire incident at the apartment building, which housed foreign workers with mostly Indians. At least 49 people have died, and the Emir has instructed the officials to investigate the cause of the fire and hold those responsible in the incident as accountable for it.

Kuwait's Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi said that hospitals received 56 cases following the fire in a workers' building in Mangaf on Wednesday. Among these, nine people were admitted to the intensive care unit in critical condition. Additionally, 41 victims were transferred to internal medicine, surgery, and orthopedic departments at Adan, Mubarak, Farwaniya, Jaber, and Jahra hospitals.

According to a report by Kuwait Times newspaper, injured workers sustained various injuries, including burns, broken bones from falls, and carbon monoxide poisoning due to smoke inhalation. Eleven patients were released from the hospital after their condition stabilized, while emergency medical personnel treated 11 cases on-site.

Dr. Al-Awadhi also noted that 45 of the 49 workers who died were pronounced dead at the scene, while the remaining four were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Shameer (30), who had been working as a driver in Kuwait for the past four years, lost his life in the fire in Kuwait.

Shameer had moved to Kuwait five years ago and was employed by a company managed by individuals from Pathanamthitta. He had returned home two years ago to get married and had been back in Kuwait for eight months, working as a heavy vehicle driver. The family was informed about the incident by Najeeb, a colleague of Shameer's, who lived nearby. Shameer was declared dead at the hospital, and his body is currently at a government facility.

The family has been receiving updates from contacts in Kuwait. They are urging the central and state governments to expedite the process of repatriating Shameer's body back to India.

(With Inputs from ANI)

The Tamil Nadu government announced on Wednesday that it is investigating whether Tamils were among those killed in the tragic fire in Kuwait, which claimed approximately 49 lives. 

In an official statement, the state government confirmed that it is collecting relevant information about the victims of the blaze. Chief Minister M K Stalin has directed the Commissionerate of Rehabilitation and Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils to ensure that necessary medical assistance is provided to any injured Tamils.

The state government also provided helpline numbers for assistance: +91 1800 309 3793 (within India) and +91 80 6900 9900, +91 80 6900 9901 (for calls from abroad).

Stephin Abraham Sabu (29), a native of Pampadi, is among those who were killed during the fire mishap that broke out in a building in southern Kuwait during the early hours of Wednesday.

Minister for Co-operation of Kerala, VN Vasavan, shared his condolences to the family of Stephen.  

The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry in a statement confirmed that the death toll from the tragic fire has reached 49, as reported by the Kuwait Times newspaper. Officials stated that more than 40 of the deceased were Indian nationals, with over 50 Indians injured in the blaze. The remaining victims included nationals from Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, and Nepal.

The Ministry of External Affairs said that around 40 Indians are understood to have died and over 50 injured in fire-incident earlier today in a Labour housing facility in Mangaf area of Kuwait.

The Embassy confirmed that the injured are receiving medical care in five government hospitals—Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer, and Jahra. Hospital authorities have indicated that most of the patients are in stable condition. Meanwhile, the Embassy is currently working with Kuwaiti authorities and the involved company to gather complete details of the incident.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar spoke to his Kuwaiti counterpart on Wednesday.

Jaishankar took to X and wrote, "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 would be fixed. Urged the early repatriation of the mortal remains of those who lost their lives. He emphasized that those injured were getting the requisite medical attention. We will review the situation after MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh reaches Kuwait tomorrow."

Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs on X said, " As directed by PM Narendra Modi...We are immediately departing for Kuwait to provide 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."

Shameer one of the victims from Kollam, Kerala was killed during the fire mishap that broke out in a building in southern Kuwait during the early hours of Wednesday.

The Congress on Wednesday condoled the loss of lives, including of several Indians, in a major building fire in Kuwait and urged the external affairs ministry to provide all possible assistance to the Indian victims and their families.

In a post on X, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "Anguished by terrible tragedy in Kuwait, where several Indian labourers have lost their lives and many are said to be injured. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured." "We sincerely urge the External Affairs Ministry to provide all possible assistance to the victims and their families," he said.

Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal said, "Deeply pained by the news of our fellow Indian citizens losing their lives due to a fire in a labour camp in Kuwait. My sincere condolences to the families of the departed souls. I urge the Ministry of External Affairs to urgently assist those injured in this accident and ensure handsome compensation to all victims and their families." This incident is a stark reminder of the appalling conditions in which Indian labourers live in the Middle East, Venugopal said.

"The Government, in collaboration with their respective counterparts, must ensure complete safety of our citizens -- including proper housing facilities, with adequate safety precautions and amenities, to ensure they live a life of dignity," the MP from Kerala's Alappuzha said. (PTI)

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to the Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar seeking the Centre's intervention in the Kuwait fire incident. He also hinted Malayalees were among those who died during the tragedy, PTI news agency reported.

MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a post on X said, 'As directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, MoS for External Affairs  Kirti Vardhan 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.'

Reacting to the fire mishap which killed at least 41 people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi 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."

The Indian ambassador AdarshSwaika visited the Al-Adan hospital in Kuwait. According to the officials, over 30 Indian workers who were injured are currently undergoing treatment. Officials added: "Almost all are reported to be stable by hospital authorities."

Amb @AdarshSwaika 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. Almost all are reported to be stable by hospital authorities. pic.twitter.com/p0LeaErguF

— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) June 12, 2024

Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar in a post on X wrote, "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.He further said: "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."

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait released an emergency helpline number for Indian workers in connection with the fire accident which killed 41 people.

"The embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number +965-65505246. All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. The embassy remains committed to rendering all possible assistance," officials announced on X.

Kuwait's Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah accused real estate owners of violations and greed, saying those factors contributed towards the incident. "Unfortunately, the greed of real estate owners is what leads to these matters," said Sheikh Fahad, who also runs the interior and defence ministries.

A fire that broke out in a building housing workers in the city of Mangaf in southern Kuwait early on Wednesday has killed at least 41 people.