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Kuwait Fire: Several Indians are feared to be among 49 people killed in a massive fire at a building in Mangaf area in Kuwait's southern Ahmadi Governorate in the early hours of Wednesday, according to reports emanating from the Gulf nation. The fire quickly spread through the building, trapping many inside. Kuwaiti deputy prime minister said that 49 people were killed in the incident, reported Reuters.

The fire started in a kitchen in the six-storey building in Mangaf, officials said. The building reportedly had nearly 160 people living in it, who are workers of the same company. Many workers staying there were reportedly Indians.

According to Onmanorama, the building belongs to NBTC group owned by Malayali businessman KG Abraham and five Keralites were among those killed 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'.

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

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"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'.

"Deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. Wish early and full recovery to those who have been injured. Our Embassy will render the fullest assistance to all concerned in this regard," he added.

Meanwhile, Ambassador of India to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika took stock of situation at the tragic fire-incident site.

"Amb Adarsh Swaika visited the tragic fire-incident site in Mangaf to ascertain the situation. Embassy is in constant touch with relevant Kuwaiti law enforcement, fire-service and health authorities for necessary action and emergency medical health-care," the Indian Embassy in Kuwait said in a post on ‘X’.

Ambassador Adarsh Swaika also visited the hosipitals where several Indians injured in the incident were admitted.

"In connection with the tragic fire-accident involving Indian workers today, 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 another post on ‘X’.

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Indians constitute 21 per cent (1 million) of the total population of Kuwait and 30 per cent of its workforce (approximately 9 lakhs).

Kuwait's Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah ordered police to apprehend the owner of the Mangaf building where the fatal blaze occurred Wednesday, the building's janitor, as well as the owner of the company responsible for the workers pending the end of the criminal evidence personnel's examination of the scene, the Kuwait Times reported.

"What happened today is a result of the greed of the company and building owners," the minister said in a statement as he visited the fire scene.

He said that he gave orders to Kuwait Municipality and the Public Authority for Manpower to launch immediate action to address similar violations where large numbers of workers are crammed into one residential building, and make sure that all safety requirements are in place in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.

(With Agency Inputs)