External Affairs Ministry has said that around 40 Indians are understood to have died and over 50 injured in the fire incident in a Labour housing facility in the Mangaf area of Kuwait. It said the Embassy is ascertaining the full details from the concerned Kuwaiti authorities and the company.
The Ministry said in a statement that those injured are presently admitted in five government hospitals and receiving proper medical care and attention. According to hospital authorities, most of the admitted patients are stable.
Following the incident, Ambassador of India in Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, immediately visited the location of the incident and also the hospitals to ascertain the welfare of the Indian nationals.
The Embassy continues to coordinate with local authorities to assist Indian nationals who have been injured in the incident and extend all possible support. The Embassy is receiving full cooperation from the Kuwaiti authorities. It continues to remain in touch with local authorities to provide relief to those affected.
The Embassy has established a helpline +965-65505246 for family members to get in touch. Regular updates are being provided through the helpline.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar spoke to his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on the fire tragedy in Kuwait yesterday evening.
In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said he was apprised of the efforts made by Kuwaiti authorities in that regard. He said he was assured that the incident would be fully investigated and that responsibility will be fixed.
Dr Jaishankar urged the early repatriation of the mortal remains of those who lost their lives. The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister emphasized that those injured were getting the requisite medical attention.
The External Affairs Minister said the situation will be reviewed after MoS for External Affairs, KV Singh reaches Kuwait today.
Disclaimer: This press release is sourced from News On AIR, Prasar Bharti and Press Information Bureau India (PIB).
