Over 35 people killed in Kuwait building fire, dozens injured

A building housing almost 200 foreign workers in Kuwait caught on fire Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of over 35 people and injuring dozens. 

Forty-three people sustained injuries in the fire that took place in the Mangaf area, in the city's southern portion.

"Unfortunately, we received a report of a fire at... exactly 6:00 am (0300 GMT) in the Mangaf area," Major General Eid Al-Owaihan, head of the interior ministry's General Department of Criminal Evidence said, according to CBS News.

"As for the deaths in the building behind me, the number has exceeded 35 so far," he added. 

The General Fire Department reported that multiple victims suffered from smoke inhalation and forensic teams are working on identifying bodies. 

The nationalities of the victims remain unknown as of press time.

Video footage showed the bottom floor of the complex ablaze with smoke rising through the building.

🚨 SHOCKING! Around 40 Indian nationals were killed in a building fire at an labour camp in Kuwait.

There is no saftey for Indian workers in middle east. Strong protest needed! pic.twitter.com/KkWfP8xdFm

— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) June 12, 2024