A devastating fire broke out early Wednesday morning in a building that housed workers in Kuwait’s Mangaf district, resulting in at least 49 deaths including 40 indians and dozens of injuries. The blaze, which occurred in an area heavily populated with foreign laborers, has shocked the nation and prompted urgent responses from authorities.
Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad al-Yousuf al-Sabah visited the site and ordered the arrest of the building’s owner. He condemned the negligence that led to this tragedy, attributing it to the greed of real estate owners who overcrowd accommodations to maximize profits.
Emergency services worked swiftly to control the fire and rescue those trapped inside. However, the dense smoke inhalation proved fatal for many workers. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the fire, which remains unknown.
Health Ministry officials reported that the building, used primarily for housing laborers, was packed with residents at the time of the incident. Rescue efforts managed to save dozens, but the heavy toll on human life underscores the dire conditions these workers face.
Sheikh Fahad emphasized the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent such disasters in the future. He highlighted the dangers of overcrowding in worker accommodations and called for immediate action to improve safety standards.
This tragedy in Kuwait has drawn international attention, echoing similar incidents globally where poor living conditions and inadequate safety measures in worker housing have led to catastrophic fires. The international community is watching closely as Kuwaiti authorities continue their investigation and look to implement measures to protect workers better.