A massive fire broke out in a multi-storey building in Kuwait housing foreign workers early on Wednesday, killing at least 49 people, including around 40 Indians, and injuring more than 50 others, according to officials. Here's all you need to know: 📌The incident was reported to authorities at 6:00 a.m. local time (0300 GMT), Kuwait's Major General Eid Rashed Hamad said. 📌 The officials said that most deaths were due to smoke inhalation while residents were sleeping, and a significant number of occupants were evacuated. 📌 According to Kuwait’s southern Ahmadi Governorate officials, the fire started in a kitchen in a six-storey building. The building had nearly 160 people living in it, who were workers of the same company. 📌 The Indian Embassy in Kuwait released an emergency helpline number +965-65505246 for assistance. 📌 The state media reported that an investigation is underway and searches are being done to identify the victims who died in the incident. 📌 Kuwait's Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah has accused real estate owners of committing violations that contribute towards such incidents. 📌 Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the fire and said that any officials found responsible would be held. 📌 Local authorities have not disclosed the kind of employment the workers were engaged in. However, Kuwait relies heavily upon foreign labour in industries like construction, including from South and Southeast Asia. 📌 Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting to review the situation. He also announced ex gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to the families of deceased Indian nationals, and instructed the government to extend all possible assistance to those affected. 📌 On PM Modi's direction, MoS for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh will be leaving for Kuwait tomorrow to assist those injured and coordinate with local authorities, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement. 📌 Indian ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited several hospitals in Kuwait where the injured Indian workers have been admitted for treatment.
