In Kuwait, 49 foreign workers including 40 Indians lost their lives after a massive fire broke out in a building in the southern Mangaf area. Over 50 others are injured in the fire incident.
The External Affairs Ministry has said that India’s mission in Kuwait is ascertaining the full details from the concerned Kuwaiti authorities on the tragic fire incident.
The Ministry said in a statement that those injured are presently admitted in five government hospitals and receiving proper medical care and attention. According to hospital authorities, most of the admitted patients are stable.
Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh reached Mangaf to oversee the relief measures and facilitate expeditious repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased. Mr. Singh immediately rushed to Jaber hospital in Kuwait to ascertain well being of injured Indians in the fire incident.
The Embassy continues to coordinate with local authorities to assist Indian nationals who have been injured in the incident and extend all possible support.
The Embassy is receiving full cooperation from the Kuwaiti authorities. It continues to remain in touch with local authorities to provide relief to those affected.
The Embassy has established a helpline +965-65505246 for family members to get in touch. Regular updates are being provided through the helpline.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a review meeting on the fire tragedy in Kuwait at his residence in New Delhi. He expressed grief at the loss of lives in the incident. He also announced ex-gratia relief of two lakh rupees to the families of the deceased India nationals from Prime Minister Relief Fund.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also spoke to his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on the fire tragedy in Kuwait last evening.
Meanwhile, Kuwait’s public prosecutor has started an investigation into the fire incident. The probe aims to uncover the circumstances behind the incident and cause that triggered the deadly inferno.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar spoke to his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on the fire tragedy in Kuwait yesterday evening.
In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said he was apprised of the efforts made by Kuwaiti authorities in that regard. He said he was assured that the incident would be fully investigated and that responsibility will be fixed.
Dr Jaishankar urged the early repatriation of the mortal remains of those who lost their lives. The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister emphasized that those injured were getting the requisite medical attention.
The External Affairs Minister said the situation will be reviewed after MoS for External Affairs, KV Singh reaches Kuwait today.
Disclaimer: This press release is sourced from News On AIR, Prasar Bharti and Press Information Bureau India (PIB).