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Kuwait Fire Tragedy: A massive fire engulfed a multi-storey building in Kuwait housing foreign workers, mostly Indians, on Wednesday, killing at least 41 people and injuring more than 50 others, reports news agency PTI, quoting officials. Most of the deaths, according to reports, were due to the smoke inhalation while residents were sleeping. A significant number of occupants were also evacuated. 

According to the officials, the fire started in a kitchen in the six-storey building in the Mangaf area of Kuwait's southern Ahmadi Governorate, adding that the building reportedly had nearly 200 people living in it, who are workers of the same company. The building is rented by the NBTC Group.

Kuwait Fire: Here Are Top Updates:

- The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has announced an emergency helpline number and added that it is committed to rendering all possible assistance.

"In connection with the tragic fire accident involving Indian workers today, the Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246. All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. Embassy remains committed to render all possible assistance," the Indian Embassy in Kuwait said in a post on X.

- Several Indians were among 41 people killed and 50 injured in the fire.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the fire mishap, adding that his thoughts are with the family and close ones of the victims of the incident. He further assured that the Indian embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working with the concerned authorities for further assistance. 

- "The fire mishap in Kuwait City is saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working with the authorities there to assist the affected," PM Modi said in a post on 'X'.

- Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah ordered authorities to probe the massive fire  and vowed to hold accountable those responsible for the tragedy that killed at least 49 people.

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- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed shock at the incident and informed that the Indian ambassador has gone to the camp.

- "Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait City. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalized. Our Ambassador has gone to the camp. We are awaiting further information," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a post on 'X'.

- Congress has condoled the death and has urged the external affairs ministry to provide all possible assistance to the Indian victims and their families. The party said that the incident showed the "appalling" conditions in which Indian workers live in the Middle East and the government must ensure the complete safety of citizens, including proper housing facilities, for them.

- In a post on X, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "Anguished by the terrible tragedy in Kuwait, where several Indian labourers have lost their lives and many are said to be injured. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured."

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- Several leaders in India have expressed grief over the incident. Among them are West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal, etc.

-  Tamil Nadu government said that it is being ascertained if Tamils were among those killed in the Kuwait fire, the state government said in an official release, adding that it is gathering relevant information related to the victims of the blaze.

- If Tamils were among those injured, necessary medical assistance should be provided by getting information on them, Chief Minister M K Stalin has directed the Commissionerate of Rehabilitation and Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils.

(With input from agencies)