Tragic fire in Kuwait’s Ahmadi Governorate claims at least 49 lives

A devastating fire in a workers’ accommodation building in Kuwait’s Ahmadi governorate on Wednesday, has claimed the lives of at least 49 people.

The blaze, which occurred in the country’s Mangaf district, has also left 15 more injured.

Kuwaiti authorities said they have launched an investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, videos on social media have gone viral with multiple videos being shared widely, across platforms. Videos depict flames consuming the lower levels and thick smoke enveloping the upper floors.

#BREAKING: 53 people killed and 40 injured in a Mangaf building fire in Kuwait’s Southern Ahmadi Governorate. 5 among those killed are Indian. Indian Ambassador to Kuwait has left for the labour camp where fire erupted. Kuwait Govt orders massive demolition of illegal buildings. pic.twitter.com/P08oPG6iPO

— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) June 12, 2024

Many occupants suffocated due to the dense smoke, struggling to escape, reported BBC. The British broadcaster quoted an Egyptian survivor on the incident and said, “the fire began on a lower floor, trapping those on higher levels. Authorities and rescue teams managed to save dozens, though many were overcome by smoke.”

Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al-Sabah and other officials indicate the number may rise as rescue operations continue.

Kuwait Interior Undersec. checks on injured due to Al-Mangaf fire https://t.co/JQeW4CwxeB#KUNA #KUWAIT pic.twitter.com/xr5v2PfAIo

— Kuwait News Agency – English Feed (@kuna_en) June 12, 2024

Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al-Sabah attributed the tragedy to the property owners’ greed and non-compliance with building standards, reported UAE daily The National.

He was quoted as saying that “overcrowded conditions and violations led to the high casualty rate.”

Additionally, he pledged to address overcrowded workers’ accommodations and enforce building safety regulations.

Kuwait MoI vows resolute response to building violationshttps://t.co/QrmbB84xWo#KUNA #KUWAIT pic.twitter.com/bWrfS6f5A0

— Kuwait News Agency – English Feed (@kuna_en) June 12, 2024

The worker accommodation, a multi-storey structure, was reportedly home to 195 labourers. The building is owned by the NBTC group, according to reports in the Indian media.

Indian government sends diplomats to aid victims in Kuwait

Many victims hailed from the southern Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow and extended condolences to the victims’ families.

Upon reaching back to Delhi after today’s two oath taking ceremonies, chaired a meeting to review the situation in the wake of the fire mishap in Kuwait, where people of Indian origin have been affected.

GoI is doing everything possible to assist those affected by this gruesome… pic.twitter.com/DVmeCcEGZH

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2024

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also expressed his shock and condolences on social media. He said that India is coordinating closely with Kuwaiti authorities to identify victims and arrange the repatriation of bodies.

Indian Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh is travelling to Kuwait to assist with these efforts.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is actively supporting the injured and working closely with local authorities.

On the directions of PM @narendramodi ji, MoS @KVSinghMPGonda arrived in Kuwait and immediately rushed to Jaber hospital to ascertain well being of injured Indians in the fire incident yesterday. He met the 6 injured admitted at the hospital. All of them are safe. pic.twitter.com/p7DrKItfIM

— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) June 13, 2024

Kuwaiti officials said they are conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire and potential violations by the building owner. Colonel Sayed Hassan Al-Mousawi, head of the Firefighters’ Accident Investigation Department, indicated that the final death toll might go up.

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