Over 40 Dead in Fire at Kuwaiti Worker Accommodations

A devastating fire in southern Kuwait's Mangaf district has claimed at least 41 lives and left many injured, predominantly affecting foreign workers in the area.

Authorities report that a tragic fire in a Kuwaiti building utilized for worker accommodation has resulted in at least 41 fatalities.

The fire, which broke out early Wednesday in the southern Mangaf area, has also caused numerous injuries, as per the Health Ministry. This district houses many foreign laborers, but details regarding the victims' nationalities remain undisclosed.

During a site visit, Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad al-Yousuf al-Sabah mandated the detention of the building owner.

“Sadly, the greed of property owners often leads to such tragedies,” commented Sheikh Fahad, who oversees the interior and defense ministries as well.

Fire Under Control

Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad al-Yousuf al-Sabah speaks with police officers at the site

Officials confirmed that the blaze was extinguished and that an investigation into the cause is underway.

“The building served as worker housing and was densely populated. While many workers were saved, several succumbed to smoke inhalation,” stated a senior police official on state television.

“We consistently caution against overcrowding in worker accommodations,” he added, omitting specifics about the employment or origins of the workers.