The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is actively working with local authorities to provide relief to Indian citizens affected by a devastating fire in Mangaf, southern Kuwait. The blaze, which broke out early Wednesday in a building housing migrant workers, claimed 49 lives, including around 40 Indians, and injured over 50 others. Officials have launched an investigation into the incident, one of the worst fires in the Gulf nation.

Incident Details
The fire started in the kitchen of a seven-story building in Mangaf, Ahmadi Governorate, around 4:00 am, while most of the 195 migrant workers living there were asleep. Thick black smoke quickly spread, causing many victims to suffocate. The building housed workers from various nationalities, including Indians, Pakistanis, Filipinos, Egyptians, and Nepalese.

Response and Relief Efforts
In response to the tragedy, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi expressed its condolences and announced efforts to gather full details from Kuwaiti authorities and the company involved. The injured are receiving treatment in five government hospitals in Kuwait: Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer, and Jahra. Most patients are reported to be in stable condition.

Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, visited the site and hospitals to ensure the well-being of Indian nationals. The embassy is coordinating with local authorities to provide support and has established a helpline (+965-65505246) for family members seeking information.

High-Level Visits and Condolences
On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s orders, Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh is traveling to Kuwait to assist with the repatriation of the deceased's bodies and to provide medical aid to the injured. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed his shock and condolences and spoke with his Kuwaiti counterpart, who conveyed the condolences of Kuwait's leadership and people.

Kuwaiti Authorities' Actions
Kuwait's Amir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, expressed deep sorrow and ordered an immediate investigation. Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah also sent condolences. Deputy Premier, Defence and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah has ordered the arrest of the building's landlord and the Egyptian guard and initiated inspections of similar buildings to enforce safety regulations.

Investigation and Safety Measures
The public prosecution has begun investigating the fire’s cause, with initial reports suggesting a possible gas leak. Investigators found that flammable materials used as partitions contributed to the rapid spread of smoke. Many victims were trapped by locked rooftop doors, preventing their escape.

This tragedy has sparked calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in buildings housing migrant workers, emphasizing the need for better living conditions and compliance with safety standards.

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Tragedy in Kuwait: 41 Dead, 50 Injured in Mangaf Building Fire, Including 10 Indians

Kuwait Building Fire Claims 49 Lives, Live Updates: Jaishankar Speaks with Counterpart