A fire in a workers’ housing building in Kuwait’s Mangaf city resulted in 49 deaths and numerous injuries, prompting immediate action from Indian and Kuwaiti authorities.

A devastating fire in a six-storey building housing workers in Kuwait’s Mangaf city has resulted in the deaths of 40 Indians and injuries to 50 others, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed. The blaze, which broke out at 6 am local time (9 am IST), has claimed 49 lives in total.

Officials reported that the fire originated in the building’s kitchen. The building housed nearly 195 workers, all employed by the same company. Most fatalities were due to smoke inhalation while the residents were asleep.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level review meeting at his residence following the incident. He announced a compensation of ₹ 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and extended his condolences, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

On the Prime Minister’s directive, Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh will travel to Kuwait to oversee the repatriation of the victims’ remains and provide medical assistance to the injured.

The injured are currently receiving treatment in five Kuwaiti government hospitals: Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer, and Jahra. According to hospital authorities, most of the patients are in stable condition.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, who assured him that the incident would be thoroughly investigated and that those responsible would be held accountable. Jaishankar also pressed for the prompt repatriation of the bodies of the deceased.

The Indian embassy in Kuwait is in close contact with local authorities and has established a helpline (+965-65505246) for family members to obtain information. Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika has visited the fire site and the hospitals where the injured are being treated.

Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, has ordered an investigation into the fire. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, the First Deputy Prime Minister, has ordered the arrest of the building’s owner, the janitor, and the company owner responsible for the workers pending the conclusion of the investigation.

Indians make up 21 per cent of Kuwait’s population and 30 per cent of its workforce. The tragedy also claimed lives in Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, and Nepal.

Analysis:

Political: The tragedy has prompted immediate and high-level diplomatic engagement between India and Kuwait. Prime Minister Modi’s swift response underscores the political importance of safeguarding the welfare of Indian citizens abroad. The incident also highlights the robust mechanisms in place for crisis response and bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

Social: The fire has shed light on the living conditions of expatriate workers in Kuwait, raising questions about worker safety and housing standards. It underscores the vulnerability of migrant workers, who often live in overcrowded and unsafe accommodations. The incident calls for a renewed focus on ensuring decent living conditions for expatriates.

Racial: This tragedy brings attention to the racial dynamics in Kuwait, where a significant portion of the labor force comprises expatriates from South Asia and other regions. It highlights the need for better protection and rights for foreign workers, who often face systemic neglect and discrimination.

Gender: Although the specific impact on gender dynamics is less clear from the initial reports, such incidents typically affect women and men differently. The families of the victims, many of whom are dependent on the remittances sent home by these workers, will face significant socio-economic challenges, impacting the broader community.

Economical: The fire has far-reaching economic implications, affecting the livelihood of hundreds of families dependent on the workers’ incomes. The incident will likely prompt discussions on improving labour conditions and safety standards in expatriate housing, which may lead to regulatory changes and increased costs for companies employing foreign workers.