Kuwait detains suspects in tragic building fire

Authorities in Kuwait have detained three individuals on suspicion of manslaughter following a tragic building fire that claimed the lives of 50 foreign workers, predominantly Indians. The incident occurred in a six-storey structure in Mangaf, south of Kuwait City, where many migrant laborers reside.

The fire, which broke out at dawn, resulted in the deaths of 49 individuals initially, with one more casualty reported later. Most of the victims succumbed to smoke inhalation as they were trapped inside the building. The fire was caused by an electrical fault in the guard's room on the ground floor.

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya confirmed that the majority of the deceased were of Indian nationality, with a few other nationalities also affected. Following the tragedy, one Kuwaiti and two foreign residents have been arrested on suspicion of negligence in adhering to security protocols and fire safety regulations.

The Kuwaiti Interior Minister has pledged to address issues of labor overcrowding and negligence, threatening to shut down any buildings that do not comply with safety standards. The incident has left friends and relatives of the victims in shock, as many of them work in Kuwait to support their families back home.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised assistance to those impacted by the fire, offering financial aid to the families of the victims. Efforts are underway to identify the deceased through DNA testing, as some bodies were severely charred.

In Manila, three Filipinos lost their lives due to smoke inhalation, while two others remain in critical condition. The Department of Migrant Workers is providing support to the affected families and survivors.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and ensuring the well-being of all individuals, especially those working in high-risk environments.

It is crucial to prioritize safety measures in all workplaces to prevent such devastating incidents. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims during this difficult time. Let us strive to create safer environments for everyone.