In Kuwait, a tragic fire erupted on Wednesday in a building occupied by foreign workers, resulting in the loss of at least 49 lives.
Fatal Fire Claims Lives of Foreign Workers
The incident drew swift condemnation from Kuwait's Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, who pointed fingers at property owners for potential violations contributing to such disasters. Details regarding the nationalities of the deceased were initially withheld by authorities, but India's ambassador swiftly responded by visiting hospitals where injured workers were receiving treatment.
Reports from the Indian Embassy confirmed that over 30 Indian nationals were admitted to one hospital alone, with a total of 47 workers receiving medical attention across various healthcare facilities. Among the casualties, several individuals from the southern Indian state of Kerala were reported deceased, as communicated by Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a letter addressed to India's Foreign Minister.
Government and community reactions
Further complicating the situation, a government agency representing Keralites abroad received information from Kuwait's Indian community indicating that 41 Indians, including 11 from Kerala, had tragically lost their lives in the blaze. However, Reuters could not independently verify these figures at the time of reporting.
Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah's visit to the fire site underscored his assertion that the incident was exacerbated by the profit-seeking behavior of real estate owners. Yet, it remained unclear whether any specific violations had occurred at the building or what those violations might entail.
In Kuwait, as in other Gulf countries, low-wage blue-collar workers often reside in densely populated accommodations, raising concerns about overcrowding and safety standards. Authorities did not disclose the specific industries in which the victims were employed, but Kuwait heavily relies on foreign labor, particularly from South and Southeast Asia, for sectors like construction.
Eyewitness accounts, including that of an Egyptian survivor who worked as a driver in Kuwait, described harrowing scenes of the fire's progression, noting that it began on a lower floor and quickly engulfed the building in thick smoke. Tragically, many occupants on upper floors struggled to escape, highlighting the urgency of effective fire safety measures in such residential complexes.
The Philippines also reported involvement in the tragedy, with three Filipino workers hospitalized, while the status of five others remained uncertain and three were confirmed safe, according to the Philippine migrant workers ministry. Emir Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah promptly ordered a comprehensive investigation into the fire's cause, promising accountability for any lapses identified among responsible officials.
As investigations continue and the death toll rises, Kuwait's interior ministry is actively engaged in recovery efforts, searching for additional victims and working to identify those lost in the blaze. The fire, which occurred in Mangaf, a coastal city south of Kuwait City, was first reported early in the morning and was eventually brought under control after significant rescue operations.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, acknowledging the heartbreaking news and offering solidarity in the wake of this devastating incident. The broader international community awaits further developments as Kuwaiti authorities strive to uncover the full scope of this tragedy and prevent similar incidents in the future.