Plane With Bodies of 45 Indians Who Died in Kuwait Fire On Way to Kerala

Massive Fire broke out in Kuwait resulting in the death of 45 Indian workers.

Tragic Fire Incident in Kuwait

In a six-story building in Mangaf City, Kuwait, a massive fire broke out on Wednesday. The fire resulted in the deaths of at least 48 people. Among the 176 Indian workers living in the building, 45 died, 33 were hospitalized, and the rest are safe.

Special Air Force Aircraft

A special Air Force aircraft has taken off from Kuwait, carrying the bodies of 45 Indians who died in the fire. The plane is expected to land in Kochi, Kerala, around 11 am before heading to Delhi. Gonda MP Kirti Vardhan Singh, a junior minister in the foreign ministry, is also on board.

Embassy's Efforts

The Indian embassy in Kuwait stated, "A special IAF aircraft carrying mortal remains of 45 Indian victims in the fire incident in Kuwait has taken off for Kochi. MoS @KVSinghMPGonda, who coordinated with Kuwaiti authorities ensuring swift repatriation, is onboard the aircraft."

Arrival in Kochi

Ambulances are on standby at the Cochin airport where the plane will land. Visuals online show is prepared for the arrival.

Casualties and Injuries

The fire claimed the lives of 45 Indian workers out of which 33 are hospitalized. The victims include people from various Indian states: Kerala (23), Tamil Nadu (7), Uttar Pradesh (3), Odisha (2), and one each from Bihar, Punjab, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Haryana.

Minister's Visit and Assurance

Mr Singh visited five hospitals in Kuwait where the injured Indian workers are being treated. He met the First Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, who assured full support and assistance in the early repatriation of the bodies.

Identification of Victims

The bodies found were not recognisable, so DNA testing was done to confirm the victims' identities. Authorities identified 48 bodies, including 45 Indians and three Filipinos.

Compensation Announcement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who died in the Kuwait fire. He reviewed the tragic incident and offered support.

The local administration in Kuwait is investigating how more than 160 people were staying in the building.

-Prisha Jaiswal