A devastating fire erupted in a residential building in Mangaf, Kuwait on June 12, 2024, claiming the lives of at least 49 individuals, all foreign laborers. The fire reportedly started in the guard’s quarters on a lower floor and rapidly engulfed the entire building with heavy smoke, trapping residents on higher floors.
Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, attributed the catastrophe to the greed of property owners and potential violations of building codes. “The greed of real estate owners leads to these matters,” he remarked during his visit to the fire site. However, it remains uncertain if the building in question had any specific code violations.
Reports indicate a significant loss of life among Indian nationals, with one count placing the number at 46, along with three Filipinos. The Indian ambassador visited hospitals where injured workers were receiving treatment. Over 30 Indian nationals were hospitalized, and at least 47 laborers received medical attention for their injuries. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s letter confirmed that several Indians, including Keralites, were among the deceased.
The Indian government took active steps to assist the victims and their families. The bodies of the Indian nationals who lost their lives in the fire were flown back to India. Union Minister VK Singh, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and other political leaders received the bodies at Cochin International Airport in Kerala. The Indian Air Force facilitated the repatriation, ensuring the dignified return of the mortal remains to their families.
The employer, NBTC Group, pledged compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured laborers. Each family of a deceased worker is set to receive roughly $9,734.32, while injured workers will receive approximately $2,433.58, along with the coverage of all medical expenses.
Kuwaiti authorities initiated an investigation into the fire’s cause. Major General Eid Rashed Hamad, speaking to state television, stated that the fire was first reported at 6 a.m. and was later contained. Initial investigations suggest that an electrical short circuit likely sparked the fire. Further investigation revealed that flammable materials used as partitions in the building contributed to the rapid spread of smoke.
A senior police official noted that many victims died from smoke inhalation and highlighted that authorities had previously issued warnings against accommodating too many workers in a single dwelling. Despite these warnings, the building in question housed around 195 migrant workers. The interior ministry continued its search for victims and identification of the deceased.
The disaster has profoundly affected the victims’ families, many of whom were awaiting the return of their loved ones who planned to travel home soon. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating, “My sympathies go out to everyone who has lost loved ones. I hope for a swift recovery for the injured.”
An Egyptian survivor, employed as a driver, shared his terrifying experience with the local media. He detailed how the fire began on a lower floor, and thick smoke quickly filled the building, rendering escape impossible for those on higher floors.
The incident has spotlighted the hazardous living conditions of low-wage, blue-collar workers in the Gulf region, where overcrowded and unsafe accommodations are often the norm. This tragedy has reignited demands for stricter enforcement of safety regulations. Kuwaiti authorities have pledged to implement necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The public prosecutor’s office has ordered the detention of individuals associated with the incident on charges of manslaughter due to safety negligence.
The Indian government has also stressed the need for improved protection and support for Indian migrant workers overseas. This incident underscores the risks these workers face and emphasizes the necessity of ensuring their safety and well-being.