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In a major fire at a building in Kuwait housing workers 40 Indians were reportedly killed , according to local officials and reports emanating from the Gulf nation.
Reacting to the tragedy Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for quick recovery of those injured in post on X.
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… https://t.co/cb7GHN6gmX
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2024
The fire started in a kitchen in the six-storey building in Mangaf area in Kuwait’s southern Ahmadi Governorate in the early hours of Wednesday, officials said.
The building reportedly had nearly 160 people living in it, who are workers of the same company.
Director General of the Forensic Department Maj Gen Eid Al-Owaihan said the death toll has exceeded 35, with 15 injured individuals admitted to hospitals, four of whom later died, English language daily Arab Times reported.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar too expressed deep shock in post on X , “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,”
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
“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,” he added.
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi too wrote on X his deep anguish over the tragedy
Shocked and saddened by the horrific news of the death of more than 40 Indians in a fire in Kuwait City.
My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved families, and I wish a speedy recovery to all those injured.
The condition of our workers in the Middle East is a serious…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 12, 2024
Expressing condolences for the deaths in the fire at the apartment complex in Mangaf, Kuwait, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan quoted by ANI said , “The news of over 40 deaths and numerous injuries due to the fire is deeply saddening. Initial reports indicate that a Malayali is among those who lost their lives. We share in the grief of the families and friends of the deceased.”
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh is urgently travelling to Kuwait to oversee assistance to Indians injured in a devastating fire and to ensure early repatriation of mortal remains of those killed.
Singh is leaving for Kuwait at the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Over 40 people, majority of Indians, were killed in the fire in a building housing labourers in southern Kuwait and the number of deceased is expected to go up, officials said.
“As directed by PM @narendramodi, MoS for External Affairs @KVSinghMPGonda 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,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X.
