Tragedy in Kuwait: Fire Claims Lives of 42 Indian Migrants

Over 40 Indian migrants were killed and more than 50 others injured after a fire broke out in a building in southern Kuwait's Mangaf area. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced assistance for affected families. Investigations are ongoing, and the Indian embassy is actively supporting the victims.

In a shocking and tragic incident, over 40 Indian migrants lost their lives and more than 50 others sustained injuries following a devastating fire at dawn in a building housing around 195 migrant workers in southern Kuwait's Mangaf area. Authorities have confirmed that the death toll in the Al-Mangaf building stands at 49, with 42 of the deceased being Indian nationals. The remaining victims were identified as Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, and Nepali citizens.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the fire incident as 'saddening' and held a high-level meeting with top officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, to review the situation. Modi announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased Indian nationals and expressed deep condolences for the unfortunate incident. Additionally, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh is traveling to Kuwait to oversee assistance and the repatriation of mortal remains.

The fire, believed to have started in a kitchen, was reported to the authorities in Al-Ahmadi governorate at 4:30 am. Most affected were Indian workers from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and northern states. The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry confirmed criminal evidence teams are working to identify victims and determine the cause of the fire. The Indian embassy is actively monitoring the situation, offering assistance to the injured, and coordinating with Kuwaiti authorities.