In Kuwait, over 40 Indians dead after fire engulfs building housing migrant workers

Kuwait : Nearly 40 Indians have been killed, and over 50 are reportedly injured in an early Wednesday fire that broke out in a building housing over 195 microns in southern Kuwait's Mangaf area. The total number of people who have lost their lives in the incident is around 49.

Remaining ones are Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian and Nepali nationals. According to a local media report, most of the Indians killed are from Kerala. The reason behind death is being suspected as smoke inhalation as the fire started in a kitchen.

MEA Confirm the incident and issued an official statement on Wednesday night. "In an unfortunate and tragic fire incident earlier today in a Labour housing facility in Mangaf area of Kuwait, around 40 Indians are understood to have died and over 50 injured," the MEA said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called for an urgent meeting with External affairs minister, Dr S Jaihankar, the national security advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and Principal Secretary to Prime Minister PK Mishra.

PM has announced an ex gratia relief of Rs 2,00,000 to the families of deceased Indian Nationals from PM Relief Fund. He has also assured that all possible assistance will be provided to the concerned families.

Kuwait's health ministry said the injured were admitted to several hospitals, with 21 of them sent to Al-Adan Hospital, six to Farwaniya Hospital, one to Al-Amiri and 11 to Mubarak Hospital.

MEA has also issued a helpline number for the families to reach out their members who are affected by the incident. "The Embassy has established a helpline +965-65505246 (WhatsApp and regular call) for family members to get in touch," it said.