Fire in building in Kuwait, 41 including two Malayalees among dead, building owner to be arrested

KUWAIT CITY: The death toll in the building fire in southern Kuwait's Mangaf city rose to 41. Reports said two Malayalees are among the dead. The building was occupied by the employees of NBTC company in Mangaf Block 4. The company is owned by Malayali businessman K G Abraham.

The fire broke out at around 4 am Wednesday morning. Initial reports said the fire spread from the kitchen of the labour camp. Many people were injured. As the fire spread, many jumped out of the window. Many were seriously injured. Kuwait Minister Al Yousaf and Indian Ambassador have reached the spot. Malayalees in the area told media that all the people in the building have been evacuated.

Kuwait Interior Minister Sheikh Fahd Al Youssef Al Sabah ordered the arrest of the owner and security of the building that caught fire. It has been found that many people were accommodated in the building in violation of safety norms.

In the wake of the fire, Kuwait's interior minister has ordered to arrest the owners of all the buildings where workers are staying illegally and take legal action. After visiting the accident site, the minister said that what happened today is the result of the greed of the company and the building owners.

External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar said the accident in Kuwait is shocking. He has informed that the Indian Embassy will provide all assistance. Jaishankar wrote on X handle that they are waiting for more information and conveyed his condolences to the family of the dead.