A devastating fire at a labor housing facility in the Mangaf area of Kuwait on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of approximately 40 Indian nationals and left over 50 injured, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The injured are receiving treatment in five government hospitals across Kuwait: Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer, and Jahra hospitals. Hospital authorities have reported that most of the patients are in stable condition.
In an official statement on Wednesday night, the MEA expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and stated that the Indian Embassy is working closely with Kuwaiti authorities and the company involved to gather detailed information about the incident.
Following the tragedy, Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, promptly visited the site and the hospitals to check on the welfare of the affected Indian nationals. The Embassy is collaborating with local authorities to provide assistance and support to those injured and is receiving full cooperation from the Kuwaiti government.
Acting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directives, Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh is traveling to Kuwait to facilitate the early repatriation of the deceased and ensure medical assistance for the injured.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has set up a helpline (+965-65505246, available for WhatsApp and regular calls) for family members seeking information. Regular updates are being provided through this helpline.
Prime Minister Modi held a review meeting shortly after the news of the fire broke out. He announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister Relief Fund for the families of the deceased Indian nationals. Expressing his profound sorrow, he extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured, assuring them of all possible assistance from the Indian government.
The review meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi, and was attended by several senior officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, PM’s Principal Secretary Pramod Kumar Mishra, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, and other senior officials.
