19 June 2024: The Kuwaiti government announced it will provide $15,000 in compensation to the families of those who perished in a devastating fire in Mangaf, which claimed 50 lives, including 46 Indians. The tragic incident occurred on June 12 at a seven-storey building in the southern Ahmadi Governorate.
Kuwaiti authorities determined that an electrical short circuit in the guard’s room on the ground floor sparked the blaze, which quickly engulfed the structure housing 196 migrant workers, predominantly from India. The fire also claimed the lives of three Filipinos, while the identity of one victim remains unknown.
Acting on the orders of the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the government will facilitate compensation through the victims’ embassies. This financial aid aims to provide some support to the bereaved families during this difficult period, ensuring swift and efficient delivery of funds.
The Indian government has also pledged compensation of Rs. 2 lakh to each Indian victim’s family. Additionally, the Kerala state government has promised Rs. 5 lakh in financial assistance to the families of Malayalis who died in the tragedy, which included 24 individuals from Kerala.
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In response to the incident, Kuwait’s public prosecutor has launched an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the fire and identify potential lapses in safety measures. Several individuals, including a Kuwaiti citizen, have been detained on charges of manslaughter and negligence.
This concerted effort by both the Kuwaiti and Indian governments underscores the profound impact of the disaster and the shared commitment to supporting the victims’ families in their time of need.
