Kuwait City, Kuwait – A tragic incident unfolded in Kuwait’s Mangaf, where a building housing migrant workers became the site of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 41 individuals. The apartment in question was found to have exceeded its capacity, leading to crowded living conditions that proved fatal during the emergency.
Reports indicate that the exits in the building were inadequate for all the workers to evacuate safely when the fire broke out, resulting in a high number of casualties. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has pledged to provide full assistance to those affected by the tragedy, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressing deep shock over the incident.
Regarding the fire, Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited the Al-Adan hospital where injured Indian workers were being treated and assured them of the Embassy’s support. Meanwhile, Major General Eid Rashed Hamad reported that authorities were alerted to the fire at 6:00 a.m. local time and worked diligently to bring the situation under control.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, concerns have been raised about the living conditions and safety standards in buildings housing migrant workers. The deputy PM of Kuwait highlighted the role of real estate owners in violating regulations and prioritizing profit over the well-being of individuals. This sentiment was echoed by Sheikh Fahad, who oversees the interior and defense ministries, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of building codes to prevent such incidents.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by migrant workers living in overcrowded and unsafe conditions. The authorities are urged to take swift action to ensure compliance with safety regulations and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.