NEW DELHI: External affairs minister
S Jaishankar
expressed his profound shock and sorrow over the
tragic fire incident
in
Kuwait
City that claimed the lives of more than 40 people and left over 50 hospitalised. The
Indian ambassador
has visited the affected camp to gather more information about the situation.
"Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait City.
There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalized. Our Ambassador has gone to the camp. We are awaiting further information," he said.
In his post on X, Jaishankar conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the fire and wished for the swift and complete recovery of the injured. He assured that the Indian embassy would provide all necessary assistance to those affected by this tragedy.
"Deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. Wish early and full recovery to those who have been injured. Our Embassy will render the fullest assistance to all concerned in this regard," Jaishankar added.
The fire, which broke out early on Wednesday in a building housing workers in the city of Mangaf, southern Kuwait, not only resulted in numerous fatalities but also injured dozens of people, according to the health ministry. The area is densely populated with foreign labourers.
Following the incident, Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad al-Yousuf al-Sabah visited the site and ordered the arrest of the building's owner, as per a report from Al Jazeera. He attributed such incidents to the greed of real estate owners, saying, "Unfortunately, the greed of real estate owners is what leads to these matters."
Authorities reported that the fire was under control and that teams were investigating the cause. A senior police commander, without providing details on the workers' type of employment or place of origin, said, "The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there were a large number of workers there. Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately, there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire."
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