Kuwait Fire Arrests: 9 Detained, Including 3 Indians, After Fire Kills 50

In connection with the devastating fire that resulted in the deaths of 50 people, including 46 Indians, in the southern Ahmadi Governorate of the Gulf Kingdom, a media report on Wednesday stated that three Indians, four Egyptians, and a Kuwaiti national have been detained.

The fire, which occurred on July 12 at a six-storey building in Mangaf city, was caused by an electrical short circuit in the guard's room on the ground floor.

Kuwait Fire Arrests: 9 Detained, Including 3 Indians

The building, which housed 196 migrant workers, primarily Indians, has been the focus of an investigation by Kuwait's Public Prosecution. According to the English language daily Arab Times, the Public Prosecution has ordered the detention of the individuals involved for two weeks.

They have been charged with manslaughter and negligence. The names of the detainees were not disclosed in the report. Under the directive of Kuwait's Emir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, families of the victims will receive compensation amounting to USD 15,000 each (Rs 12.5 lakh), the newspaper reported. The compensation will be processed and delivered through the victims' embassies.

The identities of the deceased include 46 Indians and three Filipinos, with one victim remaining unidentified. Government sources cited by the newspaper confirmed that the embassies will oversee the distribution of funds to the families affected by the fire, ensuring prompt and efficient assistance delivery.

Kuwait's public prosecutor has initiated an investigation into the incident to ascertain the circumstances and factors contributing to the deadly fire, as announced by the public prosecutor on X.

Kuwait Fire: Compensation Announced, Investigations Underway

According to the Arab Times newspaper, compensation of $15,000 has been announced by the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, for the families of the victims. It was reported that the compensation payments will be processed and delivered to the victims' embassies.

The distribution of funds to the families of the victims will be ensured by the embassies, with the process being expedited to promptly assist. The building, which housed 196 migrant workers, predominantly Indians, was where the tragic incident occurred. Among the deceased, three were Filipinos, while the identity of one victim remains unknown.

The mortal remains of the deceased Indians were repatriated to the country last week. The bodies were received by bereaved families, friends, ministers, and officials. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the incident as a "national tragedy," particularly noting that twenty-three of the deceased Indians were from Kerala.

An investigation into the incident has been initiated by Kuwait's public prosecutor under the Southern Ahmadi Governorate to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the individuals. In connection with charges of manslaughter and negligence in security and safety measures following the fire incident, arrests have been made involving a Kuwaiti citizen and several foreigners.