Indian Minister Rushes to Kuwait After Fire Kills 49 Indian Workers, Urgent Repatriation Efforts Und

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Indian Minister Urgently Flies to Kuwait After Fire Kills 49, Mostly Indians, in Mangaf Building

Team Finance Saathi

13/Jun/2024

Key Points:

Massive Fire in Mangaf: A devastating fire engulfed a six-storey building in Mangaf, Kuwait, housing foreign workers, killing 49 people, mostly Indians, and injuring over 50.
Minister's Immediate Response: Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh has been dispatched to Kuwait to oversee the assistance for the injured and ensure the repatriation of the deceased.
Repatriation and Identification Efforts: Efforts are underway to identify the charred bodies through DNA tests, with an Air Force plane ready to bring back the mortal remains.

In a devastating incident that has shocked the expatriate community, a massive fire broke out early Wednesday morning in a six-storey building in the Mangaf area of Kuwait, claiming the lives of 49 people, most of whom were Indian workers. The tragedy has left more than 50 others injured, creating an urgent need for medical assistance and repatriation efforts.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, flew to Kuwait on Thursday morning to oversee the situation personally. Before his departure, he briefed the media, revealing the horrific nature of the incident. "Some of the bodies have been charred beyond recognition," Singh said, highlighting the severity of the fire that started in the building’s kitchen. Efforts are underway to identify the victims through DNA tests, as the remains are too damaged for visual identification.

An Air Force plane has been placed on standby, ready to transport the mortal remains back to India once identification is confirmed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, directing urgent measures to assist the affected families. Modi's swift action underscores the gravity of the incident and the government's commitment to providing all necessary support.

The building, located in the southern Ahmadi Governorate, housed 195 people, primarily workers from India. The fire has been reported as one of the deadliest in recent years for the Indian expatriate community in Kuwait. According to the Kuwait Times, more than 40 of the deceased were Indians, with others being Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, and Nepali nationals. The Indian workers were mainly from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and various northern states, with ages ranging between 20 and 50 years.

Officials from Kuwait's Interior Ministry have stated that the death toll could rise as more bodies are discovered and identified. Major General Eid Al-Owaihan, head of the Interior Ministry’s General Department of Criminal Evidence, confirmed that strict measures would be enforced against building owners violating safety laws. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with the criminal evidence department personnel actively working on the scene.

In the wake of this tragedy, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, who assured him of a thorough investigation into the incident. Jaishankar emphasized the need for prompt repatriation of the deceased and assured that the injured are receiving the necessary medical care. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has set up an emergency helpline (+965-65505246) to provide updates and assistance to concerned families and friends.

This incident has highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by expatriate workers in foreign countries, particularly those living in densely populated accommodations. The NBTC group, which rented the building, has yet to issue a detailed statement regarding the safety measures in place at the time of the fire.

India's large expatriate community in Kuwait, which constitutes 21% of the total population and 30% of the workforce, has been deeply affected by this tragedy. The Indian government’s swift response in dispatching Minister Singh to Kuwait demonstrates its dedication to safeguarding its citizens abroad. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to identify the victims and repatriate their remains as soon as possible.

As the investigation continues, there will be a focus on accountability and ensuring that such tragedies do not recur. The Indian community, both in Kuwait and back home, is awaiting further updates and hoping for swift justice for the victims of this horrific fire. The collaboration between Indian and Kuwaiti authorities is crucial in navigating this crisis and providing the necessary support to those affected.

This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the importance of stringent safety regulations and the need for continuous oversight to protect the lives of workers, especially those in foreign lands, far from their homes and families. The Indian government’s proactive measures in response to the crisis have been commendable, and the focus now shifts to the meticulous task of identifying the victims and bringing closure to their grieving families.

Also Read : PM Modi's First Overseas Trip of Third Term: Attending G7 Summit in Italy

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Indian Minister Urgently Flies to Kuwait After Fire Kills 49, Mostly Indians, in Mangaf Building

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