In a devastating fire tragedy that struck Kuwait, 49 people lost their lives, with 45 of the victims being Indian nationals. The incident has sent shockwaves through communities both in Kuwait and India, highlighting the severe impact of such disasters on migrant populations.
The Incident
The fire broke out in a residential building in Kuwait, rapidly engulfing the structure and trapping many inside. Despite swift response efforts from local emergency services, the intensity and speed of the blaze resulted in a tragic loss of life. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire might have been caused by an electrical short circuit, but authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause.
Impact On Indian Communities
Among the 49 victims, the majority were from India, emphasizing the significant presence of Indian expatriates in Kuwait. Most of the Indians Killed in Kuwait Building Fire Were from Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The breakdown of the 45 Indian victims by state is as follows:
| State | Number of Indian Dead |
|---|---|
| Kerala | 23 |
| Tamil Nadu | 7 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 3 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 3 |
| Odisha | 2 |
| Haryana | 1 |
| Bihar | 1 |
| West Bengal | 1 |
| Maharashtra | 1 |
| Jharkhand | 1 |
| Punjab | 1 |
| Karnataka | 1 |
| Total | 45 |
Government Response
The Indian government has been proactive in addressing the aftermath of this tragedy. The External Affairs Ministry is in close contact with Kuwaiti authorities to expedite the repatriation of the bodies. In addition, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait has set up a helpline to assist affected families and provide necessary support.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims. We are doing everything in our power to support them during this incredibly difficult time,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry of External Affairs.
What Were These Indians Doing There?
Reports indicate that the building, owned by Kerala businessman KG Abraham of the NBTC group, housed workers primarily from India, especially Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with some from northern India. Tragically, many workers perished in the fire or due to subsequent adverse conditions. These individuals were employed in various roles, such as carpenters, fabricators, drivers, masons, domestic workers, food delivery riders, and courier delivery boys.
According to a report by The Indian Express, the building’s residents included an electrician studying accountancy and a mechanic who had advanced to a supervisory position. Many others, like them, were in Kuwait, working diligently away from home to support their families in India.
