In a heart-wrenching incident, a devastating fire swept through a six-story building in Kuwait, claiming the lives of at least 49 people, including over 40 Indian nationals. The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of the morning, left many more injured and sent shockwaves across the globe.
The fire engulfed the building in the Mangaf area, which housed over 195 workers, mostly Indians from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and northern states. The building was rented by the NBTC group, an engineering and construction firm partially owned by an Indian national. The victims, ranging in age from 20 to 50 years, were mostly asleep when the fire started, leading to a high number of fatalities due to smoke inhalation.
The Indian community in Kuwait, which comprises around one million people, is the largest expatriate community in the country. Many of these workers are employed in the construction and service industries, and their loss has sent a wave of grief across the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow at the incident, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing speedy recovery to those injured. He also announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to each of the families of the deceased Indian nationals from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh is traveling to Kuwait to oversee assistance to the injured and facilitate the expeditious repatriation of the bodies of the dead. The Indian embassy in Kuwait has established an emergency helpline for updates and is working closely with local authorities to provide necessary assistance.
The Kuwaiti government has launched an investigation into the incident, with the interior minister ordering the detention of the building’s owner and the owner of the company responsible for the workers. The public prosecutor has also launched an investigation to uncover the circumstances behind the incident and the cause of the fire.
The fire department reported that the victims succumbed to smoke inhalation following the fire’s outbreak. The building’s owner has been detained, and strict measures will be taken against those who violate safety norms.
The incident has sent a strong message about the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of foreign workers in Kuwait. The country’s authorities must take immediate action to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
In the meantime, the Indian community in Kuwait is coming together to support the families of the victims. The Indian embassy is providing all necessary assistance, and the government of India is working closely with the Kuwait authorities to ensure that the victims receive the best possible care.
As the nation mourns the loss of these brave workers, we must also recognize the resilience and determination of the Indian community in Kuwait. Despite the challenges they face, they continue to work hard and contribute to the growth and development of Kuwait.
In the face of tragedy, we must stand together and support each other. The loss of these workers is a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and well-being, and we must work together to ensure that such incidents do not occur again.
The local authorities in Kuwait are responding to the tragedy by:
1. Investigating the Incident:
- The public prosecutor has launched an investigation to uncover the circumstances behind the incident and what has triggered the deadly fire.
- The Interior Ministry’s criminal evidence department is working on identifying the victims and revealing the cause of the fire.
2. Providing Assistance:
- The Kuwaiti authorities have been fully cooperative with the Indian Embassy, providing assistance to the injured Indian nationals and offering all necessary support.
- The Health Ministry is ensuring the speedy recovery of the injured Indians under the personal supervision of the Health Minister.
3. Repatriation of Mortal Remains:
- The Kuwaiti authorities have identified the bodies of 45 Indians and three Filipino nationals killed in the fire, and DNA tests are being conducted on the remaining bodies.
- An Indian Air Force aircraft is on standby to bring back the mortal remains of Indians killed in the incident.
4.Legal Action
- The Interior Minister has ordered the detention of the building’s owner and the owner of the company responsible for the workers.
- Strict measures will be taken against building owners who violate laid down norms.
5. Financial Support:
- Kuwait Emir has issued directives for the distribution of financial assistance to the families of the deceased.
Conclusion
The devastating fire in Kuwait that claimed the lives of over 40 Indian workers is a tragic reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of foreign workers. As the nation mourns the loss of these brave workers we must also recognize the resilience and determination of the Indian community in Kuwait. The government of India and the Kuwaiauthoritiesas must work together to ensure that such incidents do not occur again and that the victims receive the best possible care.
