In a fire at a building occupied by migrant workers in southern Kuwait, at least 40 Indians were killed and more than 50 others injured.

The residential building in Mangaf in southern Kuwait housed a large number of migrant workers. On the fateful morning, many of them had returned after their night shift to cook an early meal for the day when the fire had happened. It spread rapidly and went beyond control trapping several of the workers inside the building. Many died of asphyxiation, while many more were charred to death.

Kuwaiti authorities have blamed property owners of greed as local sources say the building was overcrowded. Violations of building standards are also being looked into as the cause for the tragedy. Most of the victims are reported to be from Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences. Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh has left for Kuwait to monitor the situation. Meanwhile, DNA tests are being carried out to identify the victims. An Air Force plane would bring the bodies to India.

Human rights activists have constantly raised concerns over the pathetic living conditions of migrant workers in the Gulf countries.

The Indian Embassy is working with government authorities in Kuwait to take stock of the crisis situation. – editor@nrifocus.com