A devastating fire that swept through a residential building in Mangaf, Kuwait, on Wednesday morning has left 41 migrant workers dead, a grim reminder of the challenges faced by this vulnerable population. The blaze, which broke out at around 6:00 am local time (0300 GMT), engulfed a building housing workers employed by a contracting company. Firefighters battled the inferno for hours, but the fire’s intensity and the building’s lack of adequate safety measures hindered their efforts to save lives.
Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, who visited the site of the tragedy, denounced the greed of real-estate owners, accusing them of cramming workers into overcrowded and unsafe housing conditions. He asserted that this negligence had contributed to the devastating loss of life.
Kuwait, like many other Gulf countries, relies heavily on migrant workers, who often face precarious living and working conditions. The nation of 4.2 million people hosts a large expatriate community, outnumbering the local population. The fire, which started on the ground floor of the building, quickly spread to the upper floors, trapping workers inside. Dozens were rescued, but many succumbed to smoke inhalation.
Major General Eid Rashed Hamad, a senior police official, expressed concern over the rampant practice of cramming workers into unsuitable accommodations, without providing specific details on the workers’ employment or origin. He emphasized that authorities had repeatedly warned against such practices, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety standards in migrant worker housing.
The fire, which was eventually contained, is now under investigation to determine its exact cause. Authorities have ordered the arrest of the building owner, the janitor, and the owner of the company responsible for employing the workers. The Kuwaiti government has also directed the Kuwait Municipality and the Public Authority for Manpower to take immediate action to address similar violations and enforce safety regulations in worker housing.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar of India expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims, many of whom were Indian nationals. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has established an emergency helpline to assist those affected by the tragedy. The Embassy has vowed to provide all possible support to the victims’ families and to ensure the well-being of Indian citizens in Kuwait.
