A massive fire in a six-storey building in Kuwait’s Mangaf city claimed the lives of 41 people, including several Indians, and left 43 others hospitalized.

The incident occurred early Wednesday morning, around 6 am local time. Eyewitnesses reported that some individuals jumped from the fifth floor in a desperate attempt to escape the blaze, which began in a kitchen. This building housed nearly 160 workers from the same company, according to officials.

In response to the tragic incident, India’s Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, expressed deep shock and conveyed condolences to the victims’ families. He confirmed that the Indian Ambassador had gone to the site and emphasized that they were awaiting further information. Jaishankar assured us that the Indian government would provide all the necessary support to the affected individuals and their families.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait swiftly issued an emergency helpline number to assist those impacted by the fire. They reiterated their commitment to rendering all possible assistance to the affected Indian workers and urged those concerned to use the helpline for updates. The Embassy also highlighted its active role in managing the aftermath of the incident and supporting the victims.

Following the fire, the Indian Ambassador, Adarsh Swaika, visited Al-Adan Hospital, where over 30 injured Indian workers were admitted. He met with several patients and assured them of full assistance from the Embassy. Hospital authorities reported that most of the injured workers were in stable condition, providing some relief amid the tragic circumstances.

Indians form a significant portion of Kuwait’s population and workforce, making this incident particularly impactful for the community. A senior police commander noted that overcrowding in worker accommodations is a known issue, underscoring the dangers of such practices. Authorities managed to contain the fire and have begun an investigation to determine its cause, aiming to prevent such tragedies in the future.