Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh
41 people died in a fire in a building in Kuwait, including 40 Indian citizens, while more than 30 people are reported to be injured. A big decision has been taken by the Government of India regarding this. After the order of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh left for Kuwait. The Minister of State for External Affairs left for Kuwait immediately to monitor the assistance of the injured in the fire incident and coordinate with the local authorities to bring back the bodies of those killed soon.
A fire broke out in a building in Kuwait’s Mangaf city. Officials said the fire started in the kitchen of the six-storey building located in the Mangaf area of Kuwait’s southern Ahmadi governorate early Wednesday. It is being said that about 160 people lived in the building, who are employees of the same company. Sources said five firefighters were injured during the rescue operation. It said most of the people died due to suffocation caused by smoke while sleeping. A large number of people were evacuated to safer places.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait said in a post on ‘X’, “In connection with the tragic fire accident involving Indian workers today, the Embassy has issued an emergency helpline number. All concerned are requested to contact this helpline for updated information. The Embassy is committed to provide all possible assistance.” Indians constitute 21 per cent (10 lakh) of Kuwait’s total population and 30 per cent (about 9 lakh) of the workforce.
PM Modi-Foreign Minister expressed grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar have expressed deep sorrow over the incident. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said in a post on X, “Deeply saddened to hear about the fire incident in Kuwait City. It is reported that more than 40 people have died and more than 50 people are hospitalized. Our Ambassador has gone to the spot. We are awaiting further information.” He said, “My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident. I wish the injured a speedy and complete recovery. Our Embassy will provide full assistance to all concerned in this regard.”
Treatment of Indian employees continues
Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited the site of the accident and later also went to the hospital where the Indian employees injured in the fire are being treated. The Indian Embassy said, “Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited the site of the fire in Mangaf to take stock of the situation. The Embassy is in constant touch with the relevant Kuwaiti law enforcement, fire service and health authorities for necessary action and emergency medical health care.” According to the Embassy, the Indian diplomat met several patients at Al-Adan Hospital and assured them of full support from the Embassy. It said that according to the hospital authorities, almost all of them are stated to be stable.
In another post on ‘X’, the Indian Embassy said Ambassador Swaika also visited Farwania Hospital where six workers injured in today’s fire, most of whom are believed to be Indians, were admitted. Hospital authorities confirmed that four of them have been discharged, one has been shifted to Jahra Hospital and the condition of one admitted in the ward is stated to be stable.
Latest World News