A devastating fire in a building housing migrant workers in southern Kuwait killed 40 Indian nationals and injured over 30 others early Wednesday. The fire broke out in a six-story building in Mangaf city at around 6 am local time. Kuwait’s Interior Ministry confirmed that the death toll had reached 49 by Wednesday evening.

The building, owned by NBTC, Kuwait’s largest construction group, housed around 195 workers, including employees of the NBTC supermarket. Local media reports indicate that the fire started in the building’s kitchen. Kuwaiti authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze.

Kuwait’s Interior Minister, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, has ordered the arrest of the building’s owner, the janitor, and the company responsible for the workers pending the investigation’s completion. He condemned the incident, attributing it to the greed of the company and building owners.

A senior police commander told state TV that the fire resulted in many deaths due to smoke inhalation. Dozens were rescued from the burning building. Authorities are examining whether overcrowding in worker housing contributed to the tragedy, noting previous warnings about cramming too many workers into such accommodations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident and prayed for the recovery of those injured. He assured that the Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working with local authorities to assist the affected. Modi has directed Kirti Vardhan Singh, MoS for External Affairs, to travel to Kuwait urgently to oversee the assistance efforts.

The building housed many Indian workers from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and northern states, with ages of the deceased ranging from 20 to 50 years. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has provided an emergency helpline number (+965-65505246) and is actively supporting the victims and their families.

Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited Al-Adan hospital to meet the injured Indian workers and assured them of full assistance from the embassy. Most of the injured are reported to be stable, with many expected to be released soon.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar offered his condolences to the victims’ families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. He emphasized that the Indian Embassy will provide all necessary support to those affected by the fire.

Kuwait hosts one of the largest Indian expatriate communities, with many workers from South India seeking employment in the Gulf nation. Eleven people from Kerala are feared to be among those killed, with the state government awaiting official confirmation. The Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Department is also collecting information about any Tamil casualties.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has instructed the department to gather details and provide necessary assistance to affected Tamils. The fire has drawn attention to the living conditions of migrant workers and the urgent need for safety measures in their accommodations.

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