Massive fire in Kuwait: 49 people including 11 Malayalees killed

KUWAIT CITY: 49 people, including 11 Malayalees, were killed after a massive fire broke out at a multi-storey building in which the employees of an expat Malayali's company were living. Several of the bodies are in an unrecognisable state as they were entirely burned. It is indicated that 25 Malayalees were killed in the accident. Many people died as they jumped from the top floors of the building to escape from the fire. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced a compensation of ₹ 2 lakh each to the families of the Indian nationals who have lost their lives in the fire accident.

The bodies of Kollam Sooranad native Shemeer (30), Kottayam Pampady native Stephin Abraham Sabu (30), Thrikaripur native Kelu Ponmaleri (55), Pandalam native Akash S Nair (32), Pathanamthitta Vazhamuttom native PV Muraleedharan (54), Punalur native Sajan George (28), Kollam native Lucose Vadakkotte Unnunni, Konni native Saju Varghese, Cherkkalam native Ranjith Kundadukkam and Chathannoor native Lucose have been identified.

More than 50 people have been admitted to hospitals with injuries. The condition of seven people is critical. Workers from other countries were also there in the building. According to sources, the death toll is likely to increase. The accident took place in the six-storey building owned by NBTC Company of Thiruvallam Niranam native KG Abraham in Mangaf city of ​​Kuwait's southern Ahmadi governorate. The accident took place yesterday morning at around 4.30 am local time (7 am in India). 195 people were staying in the six-storey building. The rescue operation was carried out very quickly. Once the fire reached the room where the gas cylinders were stored, it quickly spread to the upper stories. A short circuit is thought to have caused the fire. It is also rumoured that the fire broke out while the security guards were cooking food. Workers were also accommodated in the building without complying with safety norms. There was no lift facility in the building.

Deputy Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah visited the spot. He issued an order to arrest the building owner, security guard and the company owners who accommodated the employees.

Tragedy took place while sleeping
The tragedy took place while most of the people in the building were sleeping. Most of them found themselves surrounded by fire by the time they woke up due to the heat and smoke. Many people were charred to death while they tried to escape by climbing down the stairs. A large number of people died of smoke inhalation. Those who jumped from the windows also died. Some are undergoing treatment for serious injuries.

Minister of State for External Affairs travels to Kuwait
NEW DELHI: An emergency high-level meeting was held at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence yesterday evening. By nightfall, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh was sent to Kuwait to coordinate relief operations.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait said that it will provide all assistance to Indians. Ambassador Adarsh ​​Swaika visited the accident site and the Indians undergoing treatment. Helpline Number: +965-65505246.