Rahul Gandhi Mourns Loss of 40 Indian Lives in Kuwait City Fire
New Delhi, 13th June 2024: Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Congress party, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of more than 40 Indian lives in a fire that occurred in Kuwait City. He highlighted the urgent need to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian workers in the Middle East.
“I am profoundly saddened by the tragic news of the loss of more than 40 Indian lives in a fire in Kuwait City. My heartfelt sympathies are with the families of the victims, and I wish a swift recovery to those injured. Safeguarding the welfare of our workers in the Middle East is of utmost importance,” Gandhi conveyed in a statement released on X.
He urged the Indian government to prioritize safety measures and collaborate closely with international partners to ensure dignified living conditions for its citizens abroad.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh has been dispatched to Kuwait by Prime Minister Modi’s directive to oversee assistance efforts for the injured and coordinate with local authorities in response to the tragic incident in Mangaf, southern Kuwait early on Wednesday.
“Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, MoS for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh is traveling urgently to Kuwait to supervise aid efforts for the injured in the fire incident and to liaise with local authorities for the repatriation of the deceased,” stated Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X.
Kirti Vardhan Singh confirmed that Prime Minister Modi has convened a meeting on this matter and they will be visiting Kuwait promptly to take necessary actions.
“PM Modi has called for a meeting, and we will visit Kuwait accordingly. Immediate steps will be taken,” he assured.
The fire broke out in a building housing workers in Mangaf, southern Kuwait, early on Wednesday morning.
India’s ambassador to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, visited Al-Adan hospital where more than 30 Indian workers are receiving medical treatment.
“Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited Al-Adan hospital where over 30 Indian workers injured in today’s fire incident have been admitted. He interacted with several patients and assured them of complete assistance from the Embassy,” the Indian Embassy in Kuwait announced on X.
The ambassador also visited Farwaniya Hospital, where six injured workers, believed to be mostly Indian nationals, were admitted.
“The hospital authorities have confirmed that four of the six have been discharged, one has been transferred to Jahra Hospital, and one remains stable in the ward,” reports stated.
The Indian Embassy has established an emergency helpline number +965-65505246 for assistance related to the tragic fire accident involving Indian workers.
“All concerned are requested to contact this helpline for updates. The embassy is fully committed to providing all possible assistance,” the statement added on X.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed profound shock at the fire incident in Kuwait City.
“I am deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait City. Reports indicate more than 40 fatalities and over 50 individuals hospitalized. Our Ambassador is at the site, and we await further information. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. I wish a speedy and full recovery to those who have been injured. Our Embassy will extend full assistance to all those affected,” he stated.
