Kuwait Fire Tragedy: Deputy PM attributes 40 Indian deaths to 'Greed'; Modi convenes urgent meeting

A tragic fire in Kuwait has killed at least 40 Indian workers and injured many others. The fire broke out in a six-storey building in the Mangaf area, Ahmadi Governorate, early Wednesday morning. Most of the victims, aged between 20 and 50, were from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and northern India. They were asleep when the fire started in a kitchen on one of the lower floors. Most deaths were due to smoke inhalation.

Government response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for an urgent meeting to address the situation. Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, is heading to Kuwait to oversee relief operations. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has set up an emergency helpline (+965-65505246) for updates. Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited the fire site and hospitals where victims are being treated. Over 50 Indian nationals are admitted to hospitals including Al-Adan, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al-Kabeer, and Jahra.

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Causes and reactions

The building, rented by the NBTC group owned by Malayali businessman KG Abraham, housed low-paid, blue-collar workers in overcrowded conditions. Kuwait's Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, blamed the fire on the greed of the company and building owners. He has ordered the arrest of the building owner, the janitor, and the company owner responsible for the workers. The Deputy PM also instructed immediate actions to prevent similar violations in the future.

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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has asked External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to direct the Indian Embassy to coordinate with Kuwaiti authorities for rescue and relief efforts. Opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, expressed their sorrow and urged the government to support the victims and their families. 

Concerns are rising over the unsafe living conditions of workers in Kuwait, highlighting the need for better regulations and enforcement to prevent such tragedies in the future.