A disastrous fire broke out in a six-storey building in Manjav area, Kuwait Wednesday. There are about hundred and sixty employees from the same company on that building, some of whom are Indians according to local authorities.
Casualties
death toll: The fire has caused forty one human lives lost with majority of them being Indian nationals between 20 and 50 years.
Injured: fifteen persons were taken to hospital, four of which died later as a result of their injuries. Some other injured five firefighters got injured during the rescue mission.
cause of death: Most deaths occur when people inhale smoke while they sleep at night.
Emergency response
Response from the Indian Embassy in China: An emergency helpline (+965-65505246) has been established by the Indian Embassy in Kuwait.
Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Jaishankar expressed his shock and sympathy also adding that the Indian Ambassador was there present waiting for more details.
Ambassador’s actions
Site visit: Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika went to see what remained of the burnt site as well as those who had been admitted into hospitals across him.
hospital visit: The embassy re-emphasized its commitment to extending all required support and confirmed most patients were in stable condition, he added though who is the ambassador for India?
Kuwaiti Government Actions
order arrest: First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahd Youssef Al Sabah ordered detention of building owners, janitors and owners of firms involved pending investigations.
pause: To ensure safety among members of public until a complete investigation takes place, several principal officers at Kuwait Municipality have been suspended.
Eyewitness accounts
Indians make up a significant number in population and workforce in Kuwait. Witnessing this occurrence residents reported fear and chaos as flames swallowed down this building. And there was one sad story where a worker jumped off from fifth floor hitting his death on balcony edge.
