Kuwaiti authorities have arrested three individuals in connection with the devastating building fire that claimed the lives of 50 foreign workers on Wednesday. The fire, which ripped through a six-story building south of Kuwait City, sent plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky and resulted in numerous injuries.
The detainees, one Kuwaiti national and two foreign residents, face charges of manslaughter through negligence of safety protocols and fire regulations. The blaze, according to an investigation by the General Fire Force, originated from an electrical malfunction in the building’s guard room on the ground floor.
The tragedy has sparked outrage and grief, particularly among the families of the deceased who were predominantly Indian nationals. Many of the victims succumbed to smoke inhalation after becoming trapped within the burning structure. A source within the Kuwaiti fire department revealed that a lack of proper fire exits and overcrowding likely contributed to the severity of the incident.
In the wake of the fire, Kuwaiti Interior Minister Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef pledged to address the issues of “labor overcrowding and neglect, ” threatening to shut down any buildings found to be in violation of safety regulations. The incident has reignited concerns over working conditions for migrant laborers in Kuwait, with many highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of safety standards in residential buildings housing foreign workers.
DNA testing is currently underway to identify the victims, a process that could be complicated due to the extent of the fire damage. The Indian government has expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased and has offered assistance with repatriation efforts.
The arrests mark a significant step towards holding those responsible for the tragedy accountable. The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests are not ruled out. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding proper safety measures in residential buildings, particularly those occupied by a large number of residents.
