Company And Building Owner Greed Blamed For Mangaf Fire Deaths: Kuwaiti Minister

Kuwait's Interior Minister, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, ordered the arrest of the owner of the Mangaf building where a fatal blaze occurred on Wednesday. The building's janitor and the owner of the company responsible for the workers living in the building were also detained pending the conclusion of the criminal evidence examination. The building reportedly housed nearly 160 people, all workers of the same company, with the fire's death toll over 40.

"What happened today is a result of the greed of company and building owners," the minister stated during his tour of the fire scene. Sheikh Fahad directed the Kuwait Municipality and the Public Authority for Manpower to take immediate action to address similar violations, ensure compliance with safety requirements, and prevent future incidents.

At least 40 people have been killed and 50 injured in the building fire in Kuwait early Wednesday, according to state-run Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). Among the victims, 10 were Indian nationals, including 5 Malayalis.

The blaze, which started early Wednesday morning, quickly spread through the building, trapping many inside. Authorities were alerted at 6:00 am local time (0300 GMT).

Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah confirmed that 41 people were killed in the incident, reported Reuters.

Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, visited the site in Mangaf to assess the situation. He also visited Al-Adan Hospital, where over 30 injured Indian workers have been admitted.

"He met several patients and assured them of full assistance from the Embassy," the Indian Embassy in Kuwait stated in a post on X.

"In connection with the tragic fire-accident involving Indian workers today, the Embassy has set up an emergency helpline number: 965-65505246. All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. The Embassy remains committed to providing all possible assistance," the Indian Embassy said in another post.