The death toll in a fire that tore through a multistorey building in the southern district of Al-Mangaf early on Wednesday has gone up to 49, according to the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interiors, Kuwaiti news agencies have reported.
The building reportedly housed workers from one company and videos surfacing on X showed people from neighbouring buildings saying that most of the workers were Indian.
There is no official confirmation so far on the number of Indians killed
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed shock and condolences over the incident, the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah ordered officials to follow up on the reasons of the blaze and bring those responsible to account.
Kuwait's Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah ordered police to apprehend the owner of the building where the blaze occurred.
The fire started in a kitchen in the six-storey building in Kuwait's southern Ahmadi Governorate, officials added.
The building reportedly had nearly 160 people living in it.
"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 the affected," PM Modi tweeted on X.
"In connection with the tragic fire-accident involving Indian workers today, Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246. All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. Embassy remains committed to render all possible assistance," the Indian Embassy in Kuwait said in a post on X.
Indians constitute 21 per cent (1 million) of the total population of Kuwait and 30 per cent of its workforce (approximately 9 lakh).
"Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait City. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalised. Our Ambassador has gone to the camp. We are awaiting further information," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a post on X.
"Deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. Wish early and full recovery to those who have been injured. Our Embassy will render the fullest assistance to all concerned in this regard," he added.
Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah also ordered the arrest of the building's janitor, as well as the owner of the company responsible for the workers pending the end of the criminal evidence personnel's examination of the scene, the Kuwait Times reported.
"What happened today is a result of the greed of the company and building owners," the minister said in a statement as he visited the fire scene.
He said that he gave orders to Kuwait Municipality and the Public Authority for Manpower to launch immediate action to address similar violations where large numbers of workers are crammed into one residential building, and make sure that all safety requirements are in place in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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