KUWAIT CITY: One of the Malayalees who died in the fire in the Malayali-owned labour camp building in the city of Mangaf in southern Kuwait has been identified. Umaruddin Shamir (33), a native of Kollam Oyoor, died. Information from news agencies is that a total of 11 Malayalees have died. 49 people died in the accident, out of which 30 were Indians. Information about the others who died will be released soon.
195 employees of NBTC Company in Mangaf Block four lived in the building. The company is owned by Malayali businessman KG Abraham. The fire broke out around four o'clock today. The initial conclusion is that the fire started in the kitchen of the labour camp. Many people were injured. As the fire started, many people jumped out of the window. Many of them were seriously injured. Kuwaiti Minister Al Yousaf and the Indian Ambassador have reached the spot. Malayalees in the area told the media that all the people in the building were evacuated.
Kuwaiti Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah ordered the arrest of the owner and caretaker of the building that caught fire. It has been found that high number of people were accommodated in the building in violation of safety norms. In the wake of the fire, the Kuwaiti 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. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said that the accident in Kuwait is shocking. He has informed that the Indian Embassy will provide all assistance. Jaishankar wrote on X that he is waiting for further information and conveyed his condolences to the family members of the deceased.
Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246.
Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait city. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalized. Our Ambassador has gone to the camp. We are awaiting further information.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 12, 2024
Deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost…
The fire mishap in Kuwait City is saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working with the authorities there to assist… https://t.co/cb7GHN6gmX
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2024