A devastating fire ripped through a residential building in the Kuwaiti city of Mangaf, claiming the lives of 49 people, at least 40 of whom were Indian migrant workers.
This tragedy has cast a harsh spotlight on the living and working conditions faced by millions of foreign labourers in Kuwait.
The blaze erupted on Wednesday, engulfing the lower floors of the building in flames and sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Local media reports suggest the building housed a staggering 196 workers, raising concerns about overcrowding.
A senior police officer confirmed a “large number” of people were present at the time, with dozens rescued but many succumbing to smoke inhalation.
The fire’s human cost is immense. Back in India, families are reeling from the sudden loss of loved ones.
Stories emerge of individuals like Umaruddeen Shameer, a young driver married just nine months ago, and Stephin Sabu, who was due to return home next month but now leaves behind an unfinished dream of a housewarming ceremony.
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Others, like Ashrafunnisa, wait in agonizing uncertainty, unable to contact their husbands who resided in the ill-fated building.
The tragedy has sparked outrage over the living conditions endured by migrant workers in Kuwait.
Two-thirds of the country’s population is foreign, with a heavy reliance on migrant labour, particularly in construction and domestic sectors.
Human rights groups have long raised concerns about overcrowded, unsafe housing provided for these workers.
Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Fahad Yusuf al-Sabah, placed the blame squarely on property owners, accusing them of greed and violations of building standards that led to the disaster.
He stated,
“Unfortunately the greed of the property owners is what led to this… They violate regulations and this is the result of the violations.”
