Several of the Indian victims in the Kuwait fire have been severely burnt, making identification challenging, Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh confirmed. DNA testing is underway to establish their identities. A dedicated effort is being made to inform families once identifications are complete, with arrangements ready for an Indian Air Force plane to repatriate the bodies, Singh stated.
The fire, which began in a kitchen in Mangaf city, claimed the lives of at least 48 individuals, predominantly Indians among the 42 identified casualties. Most deaths occurred from smoke inhalation during sleep in the six-storey building where nearly 200 people resided.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after a high-level meeting, announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for each deceased family and expressed sympathy for the victims’ families. He also wished a swift recovery for the roughly 50 injured survivors, who are assisting authorities in identifying severely burned bodies.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has engaged with Kuwaiti officials, ensuring a thorough investigation into the incident and expeditious repatriation of the deceased. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has established a helpline for families seeking information.
Local authorities are probing the overcrowding issue in the building, which housed over 160 people, potentially holding the owner and responsible parties accountable. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu officials have confirmed at least five victims from the state, emphasizing the challenge of confirming identities.
Indians constitute a significant portion of Kuwait’s population and workforce, underscoring the community’s deep ties and the tragic impact of the fire.