Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh arrived in Kuwait on Thursday and immediately visited Jaber Hospital to check on the well-being of Indians injured in the fire incident in the Mangaf area. He met with six injured Indians receiving treatment at the hospital.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait posted on X, “On the directions of PM @narendramodiji, MoS @KVSinghMPGonda arrived in Kuwait and immediately rushed to Jaber hospital to ascertain well-being of injured Indians in the fire incident yesterday. He met the 6 injured admitted at the hospital. All of them are safe.”
Kuwait fire incident | MoS MEA Kirti Vardhan Singh arrives in Kuwait and meets six injured Indians who are admitted in Jaber hospital. Indian Embassy, Kuwait. says, "All of them are safe." pic.twitter.com/zo1QfPnHNK
— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2024
The Ministry of External Affairs reported that around 40 Indians were killed, and over 50 were injured in the tragic fire at a labor housing facility in Mangaf, Kuwait. The injured are being treated in five government hospitals in Kuwait: Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer, and Jahra. Most of the patients are stable, according to hospital authorities.
The MEA expressed condolences to the bereaved families and stated, “The Embassy is ascertaining the full details from the concerned Kuwaiti authorities and the company.” Following the incident, Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika visited the site and hospitals to check on the welfare of Indian nationals. The Embassy is coordinating with local authorities to assist injured Indians and is receiving full cooperation from Kuwaiti officials.
The MEA also noted, “On the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh is immediately traveling to Kuwait to work towards early repatriation of mortal remains as well as for medical assistance to those injured.”
The Indian Embassy has set up a helpline for family members to get updates and remains in contact with local authorities to provide relief.
Before departing for Kuwait, Kirti Vardhan Singh mentioned that some bodies were charred beyond recognition. “The rest of the situation will be clear the moment we reach there,” he told ANI at Delhi Airport. Regarding repatriation, he said, “The victims are mostly burn victims, and some of the bodies have been charred beyond recognition. So a DNA test is underway to identify the victims.” He added that an Air Force plane is on standby to bring the bodies back once identified.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar spoke to his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, urging the early repatriation of the mortal remains and was assured that the incident would be fully investigated. Jaishankar posted on X, “Spoke to Kuwaiti FM Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on the fire tragedy in Kuwait. Apprised of the efforts made by Kuwaiti authorities in that regard. Was assured that the incident would be fully investigated and that responsibility will be fixed.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a review meeting and announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister Relief Fund to the families of deceased Indian nationals. Modi expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families of the deceased, wishing for the speedy recovery of those injured and assuring all possible assistance from the Indian government.
The Prime Minister’s Office stated, “The meeting was chaired at his residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi.” The statement added, “Prime Minister announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to the families of deceased Indian nationals from the Prime Minister Relief Fund.”