Kuwait: Preliminary investigations into the Kuwait fire incident that resulted in the deaths of 45 Indians have revealed significant safety violations. The seven-storey building housed around two dozen gas cylinders on the ground floor, used inflammable materials like paper, cardboard, and plastic as partitions, and had locked rooftop doors that prevented escape.
These findings emerged as Indian embassy officials met with survivors, and Kuwaiti investigators began probing the incident, which claimed 49 lives early Wednesday in an apartment building near Kuwait City.
Of the 49 deceased, 45 were identified as Indians, with three from the Philippines, and one body yet to be identified. Approximately 50 others were injured in the blaze that engulfed a building housing 196 migrant workers in Mangaf, south of Kuwait City.
Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh, along with Indian ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika, met with some survivors and senior Kuwaiti officials. Sources indicated the probable cause of the fire was a short-circuit on the ground floor, exacerbated by the stored gas cylinders and the inflammable materials used as partitions.
The fire spread rapidly, filling the rooms with smoke and trapping workers due to the locked rooftop access. Structural changes in the building and violations of Kuwait’s building code further hindered firefighting efforts.
The incident, the worst fire in an inhabited building in Kuwait, has prompted authorities to crack down on builders and building owners. The Indian embassy said Minister Singh met with Kuwait Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, who assured full support, including medical care, early repatriation of mortal remains, and a thorough investigation.
Kuwaiti authorities are conducting DNA tests on the bodies, with an IAF aircraft on standby to bring back the mortal remains. Kuwait’s Emir has ordered financial assistance for the families of the deceased and the preparation of aircraft for repatriation. Deputy Premier and Defence and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah has ordered the arrest of the building’s Kuwaiti landlord and an Egyptian guard, emphasizing that they should not be released without his permission. Authorities will also begin inspecting buildings for overcrowding and safety compliance violations.