A massive fire broke out in a labor building in the Middle East country of Kuwait on Wednesday. A total of 49 people including 40 Indians have died in this accident. While more than 30 are said to be injured. The accident took place in a labor camp in Mangaf town. The incident took place at 6 am local time. According to Kuwait Times, the fire broke out in the kitchen on the ground floor of the 6-storey building. It is being told that the fire started due to the cylinder bursting in the kitchen. Soon it spread to the rest of the floors. The fire has now been brought under control. Meanwhile, NDTV has had an exclusive conversation with Lieutenant Colonel Ali of the Kuwait Fire Department. Meanwhile Colonel Ali told how the fire started and how it became so horrible.
Lieutenant Colonel Ali of the Kuwait Fire Department said, “More than 160 laborers were living in the building. Most of them were Indian workers. Some Pakistani and Bangladeshi laborers have also been confirmed to be living there. They all work for the same company. The fire has so far More than 45 deaths have been confirmed so far.”
The fire spread quickly, the workers did not have a chance to escape
He said, “The fire spread very quickly. The workers did not get a chance to get out. They were trapped in the building. They were evacuated by the emergency services. More than 30 people were injured in the accident, they were taken for treatment. .Kuwait government is helping the injured in every possible way.
Lieutenant Colonel Ali of the Kuwait Fire Department said, “Necessary precautions are being taken to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. Security measures are also being adopted.”
Indian Embassy has announced the helpline number
“In connection with the tragic incident of fire involving Indian workers, the Embassy has launched an emergency helpline number +965-65505246. All concerned are requested to contact the Helpline Connect. The Embassy will provide all possible assistance.”
Many people lived illegally
Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yusuf said that many people were living illegally in the building. So there was a stampede when the fire broke out. In which many people were injured. Many people were trapped inside amid the chaos. He died due to smoke suffocation. There is no concrete information about the dead yet.
The building belonged to NBTC Group
According to a report by Malayalam media ‘Onamnorama’, the Indian workers living in the building were from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The building belonged to the construction sector company NBTC Group. The owner of this building is Malayali businessman KG Abraham. KG Abraham is a businessman from Thiruvalla, Kerala.
PM Modi expressed condolences
Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi has also expressed grief over this incident. “The embassy is closely monitoring and working with officials to help those affected,” Modi posted. PM Modi also held a high-level meeting at his residence regarding the Kuwait incident.
Rahul Gandhi also expressed condolences
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has also expressed grief over this tragedy. He posted on X, ‘Shocked by the horrifying news of over 40 Indians killed in fire in Kuwait City. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I wish a speedy recovery to all the injured. The situation of our workers in the Middle East is a matter of grave concern. The Government of India, along with its counterparts, must prioritize the security of its citizens and ensure a dignified standard of living.”