Kuwait building fire kills 40 Indian nationals, PM Modi holds high-level meeting

The incident happened at 6 am local time (9 am IST). Kuwaiti officials said over 40 people had been hospitalised.

The fire started in a kitchen in the six-storey building which had 160 people living in it and some succumbed to death as they jumped off the fifth floor to escape, media reports said.

An inquiry has been initiated into the matter.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered condolences and said the Indian embassy is working with local authorities to assist the victims.

A high-level meeting was held at the Prime Minister's residence over the tragedy.

"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 said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Wednesday said he is "deeply shocked" by news of 40 Indians being killed in the fire.

"Deeply shocked by news of the fire incident in Kuwait City. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalised. Our Ambassador has gone to the camp... we are awaiting further information," Jaishankar said on X. Initial reports say most of the Indian victims were from Kerala.

The Indian embassy in Kuwait has issued a helpline number and earlier said the fire accident involved some Indian workers and the embassy will give all possible assistance. The emergency helpline number is +965-65505246.

Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika met the injured admitted at various hospitals.

Kuwait's health ministry said the injured had been admitted to several hospitals; the majority were sent to Al-Adan, but some were also sent to Farwaniya Hospital, Al-Amiri, and Mubarak Hospital.

Junior Foreign Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh will go to Kuwait to help Indians injured in the fire, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. "As directed by PM Narendra Modi, MoS for External Affairs KV Singh 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," the spokesperson said.