A fire broke out in a residential building in Mangaf, Kuwait on June 12, 2024, resulting in the deaths of at least 49 people, all foreign workers. The fire, which started on a lower floor, reportedly in the guard’s room, quickly spread throughout the building, filling it with thick smoke and trapping residents on higher levels.
Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, attributed the tragedy to property owners’ greed and violations of building regulations. “The greed of real estate owners leads to these matters,” he stated during his visit to the site. However, it remains unclear if any specific violations occurred at the building.
It was reported that a significant number of Indian nationals died, 46 by one count, and three Filipinos. India’s ambassador visited hospitals where workers were treated for injuries sustained in the fire. More than 30 Indian citizens were admitted to hospitals, and at least 47 workers received treatment for their injuries. According to a letter written by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan when the news was still coming out, several Indians, including those from Kerala, were among the deceased.
The Indian government has been actively involved in assisting the victims and their families. The remains of the Indian nationals who perished in the fire were repatriated to India. Union Minister VK Singh, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and other political leaders received the bodies at Cochin International Airport in Kerala. The Indian Air Force transported the mortal remains, ensuring they were returned to their families with dignity.
The employing company, NBTC Group, announced compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured workers. Each family of the deceased would receive approximately $9,734.32, and those injured would receive approximately $2,433.58, in addition to coverage of all medical expenses.
Kuwaiti authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Major General Eid Rashed Hamad, speaking to state television, reported that the fire was first reported at 6 a.m. and was later contained. Preliminary investigations indicated that an electrical short circuit likely caused the fire. Further investigations revealed that flammable materials used as partitions in the building contributed to the rapid spread of smoke.
A senior police commander noted that many victims died from smoke inhalation and that authorities had previously warned against housing too many workers in a single accommodation. Despite these warnings, the building housed around 195 migrant workers. The interior ministry is continuing its search for victims and working to identify those who died.
The tragedy has deeply impacted the families of the victims. Many were awaiting the return of their loved ones who had planned to travel home soon. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating, “My sympathies go out to everyone who has lost loved ones. I hope for a swift recovery for the injured.”
An Egyptian survivor who worked as a driver recounted the harrowing experience to local media. He described how the fire started on a lower floor, and thick smoke filled the building, making it impossible for those at higher levels to escape.
The fire has highlighted the precarious living conditions faced by low-paid, blue-collar workers in the Gulf region. Overcrowded and unsafe accommodations are common, and this incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations. Kuwaiti authorities have vowed to take necessary steps to prevent such tragedies in the future. The public prosecutor’s office has ordered the detention of individuals related to the incident on manslaughter charges due to safety negligence.
The Indian government has also emphasized the need for better protection and support for Indian migrant workers abroad. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks these workers face and the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being.
