Kuwait City/New Delhi: At least 40 Indian nationals lost their lives, and dozens more were injured in a devastating fire that broke out in a residential building in southern Kuwait. The incident occurred in the Al-Mangaf area, where Indian workers resided. Most of the fatalities resulted from smoke inhalation while the residents were asleep, according to reports in the Kuwaiti media.
The building, owned by the NBTC group—an engineering and construction firm—housed over 195 workers, primarily from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and other northern Indian states. The victims’ ages ranged from 20 to 50 years.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and concern, stating, “The fire mishap in Kuwait City is saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed shock at the incident, noting that over 40 deaths and more than 50 hospitalizations were reported.
Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited the site to gather information and assured the injured of full support from Indian authorities. Eleven injured Indian nationals were taken to Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, with ten expected to be released later in the day. Additionally, six others were taken to Farwaniya Hospital, and one was shifted to Jahra Hospital. More than 30 injured individuals received treatment at Al-Adan Hospital, where most were in stable condition.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely coordinating with local law enforcement, fire services, and health authorities to provide necessary assistance and emergency medical care.
Footage shared on social media depicted massive flames and billowing black smoke as firefighters battled the blaze.
Kuwait’s Interior Minister, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, ordered the apprehension of the building’s owner, janitor, and the company responsible for housing the workers. Al-Sabah attributed the tragedy to the greed of company and building owners.
In response, the Kuwait Municipality and the public authority for manpower have been directed to take immediate action to prevent similar incidents. Safety requirements will be strictly enforced to safeguard workers living in residential buildings.
