MoS External Affairs heads to Kuwait after devastating fire kills over 40 Indians; Indian Embassy assisting those affected
| 2024-06-12
Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visits the site of the devastating fire in Mangaf, Kuwait City on June 12, 2024 that left over 4
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the fire mishap as “saddening”
Over 40 Indian nationals died and dozens of others were injured in a devastating fire in a residential building housing workers in Kuwait City on Wednesday (June 12, 2024).
Expressing shock and sadness over the tragic fire incident, the Indian government has asked Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh to head to Kuwait and oversee efforts to provide assistance to those injured; he will also coordinate with the local authorities for early repatriation of the mortal remains of those who have lost their lives.
“As directed by PM Shri @narendramodi ji we are immediately departing for Kuwait to provide assistance to those injured in the fire tragedy and to coordinate with local authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains of those who have died in this unfortunate incident,” MoS Singh posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
According to reports, over 40 Indian nationals have lost their lives and over 50 others have been injured after a blaze which spread through a six-storey building housing nearly 160 workers in Kuwait City’s Mangaf area. A large number of the workers staying in the building were Indian nationals, the news reports indicated.
Prime Minister Modi has described the mishap as “saddening” while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed “deep shock” at the incident.
"As directed by PM @narendramodi, MoS for External Affairs @KVSinghMPGonda is urgently travelling to Kuwait to oversee assistance to those injured in the fire tragedy and to coordinate with local authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains of those who have died in this unfortunate incident," MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Prime Minister Modi earlier described the fire mishap as "saddening" and expressed his condolences to those who had lost their near and dear ones. He added that the Indian Embassy in Kuwait was monitoring those affected working with the authorities there.
"The fire mishap in Kuwait City is saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working with the authorities there to assist the affected," he wrote on X.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also expressed his "deep shock" and offered his condolences to the families who had lost their lives in the tragic incident. He added that the Indian Embassy would render the fullest assistance.
“Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait city. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalized. Our Ambassador has gone to the camp. We are awaiting further information.
Deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. Wish early and full recovery to those who have been injured.
Our Embassy will render the fullest assistance to all concerned in this regard,” EAM Jaishankar wrote on X.
India’s Ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika visited the hospitals where the injured workers, including Indian nationals have been admitted for treatment. He earlier visited the tragic fire-incident site in Mangaf to get more details about the situation.
Providing information on X, the Indian Embassy said it is in constant touch with relevant Kuwaiti law enforcement, fire-service and health authorities for necessary action and emergency medical health-care.
The Embassy has also set up an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246. “In connection with the tragic fire-accident involving Indian workers today, Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246. All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. Embassy remains committed to render all possible assistance,” the Indian Embassy posted on social media.
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