Kuwait fire: 40 Indians dead, many injured; Jaishankar ‘shocked’

A fire in the southern Mangaf district of Kuwait has killed at least 41 people, including Indians, according to reports.

| Updated: 12 June, 2024 6:29 pm IST

Kuwait fire: 40 Indians dead, many injured; Jaishankar 'shocked'

NEW DELHI: A fire in the southern Mangaf district of Kuwait has killed at least 41 people, including Indians, according to reports. The fire started early Wednesday morning in a kitchen on a lower floor and quickly spread through the building, trapping many people inside the building.

Kuwait’s deputy pm said that 41 people died in the fire incident, according to the media sources 10 Indian nationals, including five from Kerala, were among those dead in the fire. However, some media reports suggest that 40 Indians might have been killed in the fire.

Dr. S. Jaishankar 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. Deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost…” / X

Officials said the fire started in a kitchen in a six-storey building early Wednesday Morning. The building reportedly had nearly 160 workers from the same company. Eyewitness reported that some people jumped from the fifth floor to escape and died. “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,” Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said.

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The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has provided a helpline number & said some Indian workers were involved in the fire. The embassy will offer possible assistance.

India in Kuwait on X: “In connection with the tragic fire-accident involving Indian workers today, Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246. All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. Embassy remains committed to render all possible assistance.” / X

Adarsh Swaika, Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, visited the fire site location in Mangaf to understand the situation. He also went to Al-Adan Hospital, where over 30 injured Indian workers in the fire incident have been admitted. “He met several patients & assured them that the Embassy would provide full assistance,” said the Indian Embassy in Kuwait in a post on X.

“After the tragic fire affecting Indian workers today, the Indian Embassy set up an emergency helpline: 965-65505246. Please call this number for updates. The Embassy is dedicated to providing all possible help,” the Indian Embassy said in another post.” The Indian Embassy said in another Post on X.