Dozens, including several Indian workers, died in Kuwait building fire

The building belonged to NBTC, the biggest construction group in Kuwait

June 12, 2024

Kuwait fire: Blaze broke out on lower floor, spread through building

Around 40 people were dead, several injured in a fire that broke out in a building housing migrant workers in southern Kuwait early on Wednesday.

The building belonged to NBTC, the biggest construction group in Kuwait.

According to local media reports, the fire started in a kitchen in a six-storey building in Mangaf City at around 6 am local time. Major General Eid Al Oweihan, Director General of Criminal Evidence, confirmed an initial death toll of 35. Six more victims succumbed to injuries later in the hospital.

At least 35 bodies were still inside the building after the fire was put out, Oweihan, said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday expressed deep shock over the tragic fire incident in Kuwait City which has resulted in dozens of deaths, including of many Indian nationals.

“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,” Jaishankar posted on X.

“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.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has also put out an emergency helpline number in connection with the tragedy, confirming that it involved Indian workers.

“All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. The Embassy remains committed to render all possible assistance,” it said.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Ministry of Health also released a statement Wednesday afternoon.

“The Ministry of Health has so far dealt with 43 cases through the accident departments in a number of hospitals, in a building fire incident in Mangaf, of which 4 cases arrived dead,” it said.

Adarsh Swaika, Ambassador of India to Kuwait, visited the Farwaniya Hospital in Kuwait City where many Indian workers injured in Wednesday’s fire incident have been admitted.

“Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, where 11 workers injured in today’s fire have been admitted. 10 of them are expected to be released today & one in hospital is reportedly stable. He met with patients still in hospital & assured them of Embassy’s full support,” the Indian Embassy in Kuwait posted on X.

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