Kuwait Fire: What We Know So Far About The Mangaf Housing Tragedy That Killed At Least 42 Indians?

The death toll of Indians in the Kuwait fire surged to at least 42 on Wednesday, as a massive blaze engulfed a building housing foreign workers. This tragedy prompted India to dispatch a high-level team to the Gulf country to coordinate with local authorities for the repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased.

On Tuesday, a quick response from local authorities helped contain the fire, with some residents dying in their sleep and others resorting to desperate measures like jumping from the first floor to escape the blaze. A senior Kuwait journalist told CNN-News18 that the intense heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, is believed to have contributed to the tragedy, prompting regular government warnings.

The Kuwaiti media said that construction firm NBTC group rented the building for the stay of more than 195 workers, most of them Indians from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and northern states. The building, owned by the Indian company NBTC, housed mostly male workers living without families.

Who Are The Victims?

Out of the total 49 foreign workers killed, around 42 victims were confirmed to be Indian nationals, with over 50 others sustaining injuries in the tragic incident in the Al-Mangaf building. Among those who were killed in the tragic fire was 29-year-old Stephin Abraham Sabu, an engineer from Kottayam’s Pampadi. He leaves behind his mother Shirley, alongside brothers Febin and Kevin.

From the coastal town of Thrikaripur, Kelu Ponmaleri leaves behind his wife KN Mani. Thirty-four-year-old Ranjith of Kasargod also died in the fire along with Sajan George, 29, from Punalur. Sajan leaves behind his parents George Pothan and Valsamma, and his sister. Lucose, of Kollam, is survived by his wife Shiny, and children Lydia and Lois.

On the Way To Kuwait

Before departing for Kuwait from Delhi Airport, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that the majority of victims suffered severe burns, with some bodies charred beyond recognition. He said DNA testing procedures are currently underway to facilitate victim identification, adding that an Air Force aircraft is on standby for immediate deployment.

The minister said once victim identities are confirmed, families will be promptly notified, and the Air Force will facilitate repatriation. “As soon as the bodies are identified, the kin will be informed and our airforce plane will bring the bodies back… The latest figures that we had last night, the casualty figures are around 48-49 out of this 42 or 43 are believed to be Indians,” MoS Singh told ANI.

Jaishankar Speaks To Kuwaiti Counterpart

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday night spoke to his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and urged him to ensure early repatriation of the mortal remains of those killed in a devastating fire in southern Kuwait’s Mangaf area.

“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,” Jaishankar said on social media platform ‘X’.

“Urged the early repatriation of the mortal remains of those who lost their lives. He emphasised that those injured were getting the requisite medical attention,” he said. “We will review the situation after MoS @KVSinghMPGonda reaches Kuwait tomorrow,” he said.

PM Modi Review Meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described the incident as “saddening”, reviewed the situation at a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and Principal Secretary to PM PK Mishra among others. Following the meeting, the prime minister announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased Indian nationals from the PM Relief Fund and directed that the government should extend all possible assistance.

“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,” Modi said on ‘X’.

In its statement, the MEA said the Indian embassy in the Gulf nation is ascertaining the full details from the Kuwaiti authorities. “Those injured are presently admitted in five government hospitals (Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer and Jahra) in Kuwait and receiving proper medical care and attention,” it said. “According to hospital authorities, most of the admitted patients are stable,” it said.

Indian Envoy Visits Incident Site

Following the incident, Ambassador of India in Kuwait Adarsh Swaika immediately visited the incident site and also the hospitals to ascertain the welfare of the Indian nationals. “The embassy continues to coordinate with local authorities to assist Indian nationals who have been injured in this unfortunate incident and extend all possible support. The embassy is receiving full cooperation from the Kuwaiti authorities,” the MEA said.

“Our Embassy in Kuwait continues to remain in touch with local authorities to provide relief to those affected. The Embassy has established a helpline +965-65505246 (WhatsApp and regular call) for family members to get in touch,” it said. The fire in Al-Mangaf building was reported to authorities in Al-Ahmadi governorate at 4.30 am and most of the deaths were due to smoke inhalation, Kuwaiti media reported, adding the fire started in a kitchen. Kuwait’s Interior Ministry in a statement confirmed that the death toll reached 49.

Probe underway

Kuwait’s Interior Ministry said criminal evidence department personnel are currently working on identifying the victims and revealing the cause of the fire. It said strict measures will be taken against building owners who violate laid down norms. “Unfortunately, we received a report of a fire at… exactly 6:00 am (0300 GMT) in the Mangaf area,” Major General Eid Al-Owaihan, head of the Interior Ministry’s General Department of Criminal Evidence said.

Kuwait’s health ministry said the injured were admitted to several hospitals, with 21 of them sent to Al-Adan Hospital, six to Farwaniya Hospital, one to Al-Amiri and 11 to Mubarak Hospital. “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,” the Indian embassy said on ‘X’.  “Almost all are reported to be stable by hospital authorities,” it said.

The Indian embassy said it is in touch with Kuwaiti law enforcement authorities, fire service and health department for necessary action. Interior Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah ordered an investigation into the fire incident and issued directions to apprehend the owner and janitor of Al-Mangaf building. “What happened today is a result of the greed of the company and building owners,” Al-Sabah was quoted as saying by Kuwait Times.

(With agency inputs)