Update: The C-130J transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force carrying the mortal remains of the 45 Indians killed in a fire at Kuwaits Mangaf reached the Cochin International Airport by 10.25 am on Friday. Union Minister of State External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, who coordinated with Kuwaiti authorities ensuring swift repatriation, was onboard the aircraft. #WATCH | Ernakulam, Kerala: Mortal remains of the victims of the fire incident in Kuwait, being loaded into dedicated ambulances to be taken to their native places from the Cochin International Airport. pic.twitter.com/QGCAfIPvjl— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2024An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft, specially designated to transport the mortal remains of 45 Indian victims from the tragic fire incident in Kuwaits Mangaf, departed for Kochi early Friday morning. Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, who arrived in Kuwait on Friday morning and worked closely with Kuwaiti authorities to facilitate prompt repatriation, is also accompanying the remains aboard the aircraft, as confirmed by the Indian embassy.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 pic.twitter.com/091hBNWzLL— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) June 13, 2024In a devastating incident that unfolded on Wednesday morning, a fire erupted in a seven-story building located in Mangaf, a southern city in Kuwait. The building, which housed 196 migrant workers, predominantly Indians, became the site of a tragic loss as 45 individuals lost their lives to the blaze.Indian authorities scrambled on Thursday to provide medical care, coordinate relief and rescue efforts, and bring back the bodies of the dead, a day after the worst building fire on Kuwaits history, among the 45 Indians workers, and left 56 injured. Kirti Vardhan Singh visit to Kuwait Kuwaiti officials promptly undertook DNA testing to identify the deceased, confirming that all 45 casualties were Indian nationals. Among the deceased were migrant workers hailing from various regions of India, predominantly Kerala. Responding swiftly to the calamity, Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, arrived in Kuwait to oversee assistance efforts for the injured and the repatriation of the deceased. Upon arrival, Singh engaged with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, who pledged comprehensive support, including medical aid, expeditious repatriation, and a thorough investigation into the incident. Singhs visit extended to Mubarak Al Kabir Hospital, where he assured support to the seven injured Indian nationals receiving treatment.48 death till now Kuwaiti authorities, including First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, confirmed the identification of 48 bodies, with 45 being Indian nationals and three Filipinos. Efforts to identify the remaining casualty continued. Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level meeting with key officials, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and others, to review the situation. Following the meeting, PM Modi announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Ministers Relief Fund to the families of the deceased and directed comprehensive assistance measures.How fire spread Jaishankar, in communication with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Al-Yahya, emphasized the urgency of repatriating the deceased and ensuring a thorough investigation. Kuwaiti authorities confirmed the fire originated in the buildings kitchen, with smoke inhalation being the primary cause of fatalities. The building, rented by the construction company NBTC Group to accommodate workers, housed a predominantly Indian workforce from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and other northern states.Relief efforts continue As investigations unfold and relief efforts continue, both Indian and Kuwaiti authorities remain committed to extending support to the affected families and ensuring accountability for the tragic incident. The fire in Kuwaits Mangaf region has sent shockwaves through both the Indian and Kuwaiti communities, underscoring the importance of swift and coordinated responses in the face of such tragedies. As the world mourns the loss of lives, efforts persist to provide solace and assistance to the affected families while seeking justice and accountability for the victims.
