Dubai: Several Indians are feared dead among the 41 people who died  in a major fire at a residential building in Kuwait on Wednesday. The fire broke out in a kitchen of a six-storey building located in the Mangaf area of Kuwait’s Ahmadi Governorate during the early hours, according to local officials.

The building housed nearly 160 workers from the same company, many of whom were reportedly Indian nationals. The blaze quickly spread, leading to tragic consequences.

In response to the incident, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait has established an emergency helpline number, +965-65505246, for updates and assistance. “In connection with the tragic fire-accident involving Indian workers today, the Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number. All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. The Embassy remains committed to rendering all possible assistance,” read a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the Indian Embassy in Kuwait.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his shock and condolences on social media, stating, “Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait City. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and more than 50 hospitalizations. Our Ambassador has gone to the camp. We are awaiting further information. Deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. We wish for an early and full recovery to those injured. Our Embassy will render the fullest assistance to all concerned.”

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Kuwait’s Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah ordered the arrest of the owner of the Mangaf building, the building’s janitor, and the owner of the company responsible for the workers. This action comes pending the completion of the criminal evidence team’s examination of the site, as reported by the Kuwait Times.

Minister Al-Sabah condemned the greed of the company and building owners, attributing the disaster to their negligence. He has instructed the Kuwait Municipality and the Public Authority for Manpower to immediately address similar safety violations and ensure that all safety measures are strictly implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.