New Delhi/Kuwait City, June 13 (UNI) The devastating fire that engulfed a six-storeyed building complex in Mangaf in Kuwait City killing over 40 Indian nationals was caused due to an electrical short circuit, the Kuwaiti authorities announced on Thursday. Indian Minister of State for External Affairs KV Singh visited more hospitals where the injured Indians have been admitted.

The Kuwait Fire Force announced on Thursday that the cause of the deadly fire that occurred in Al-Mangaf south of the capital was caused by electrical short circuit. It said in a statement that the conclusion was reached after field examination of the scene in the six-storeyed building where the fire broke out yesterday, leaving massive damage and taking 49 lives.
It indicated that the examination included the porter’s room at the basement where the fire is believed to have begun.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Minister of Defense of Kuwait, said that “48 bodies have been identified, 45 of Indian nationality and three of Filipino nationality, and work is underway to determine the identity of the last body”.
Earlier, the Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah ordered that planes be readied to transport the bodies of the dead back to India.
According to Kuwait Times, Indian MoS KV Singh expressed to the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs his desire to transport the bodies on the plane that brought him to Kuwait. Despite this, the Kuwait Emir issued orders to prepare an additional aircraft as a backup.
The Kuwait Emir has also ordered financial assistance to be provided to each of the families of the victims, according to Al Anba newspaper.
Brigadier General Muhammad Al-Gharib, Director of Public Relations and Media Department, informed Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the tragic fire originated on the ground floor of the mentioned property. The presence of gas cylinders contributed to the rapid ignition and escalation of the fire, resulting in plumes of smoke that caused fatalities and injuries.
Meanwhile, the management of NBTC company that owned the building said it is extending all possible assistance to the government agencies for the early repatriation of the mortal remains of those who lost their lives.
As immediate relief, the Management announced Rs 8 lakh relief to the families of all those who lost their life in this tragic incident, the Management said in a statement.
Meanwhile, MoS Singh visited the injured Indians in different hospitals in Kuwait City. He also called on the Kuwaiti officials, including the Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Abdelwahab Ahmad Al-Awadi, the First Deputy PM and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah and others.
The Indian Embassy in tweets said:
“MoS @KVSinghMPGonda met Health Minister of Kuwait Dr. Ahmad Abdelwahab Ahmad Al-Awadi. Minister briefed MoS on steps taken to ensure speedy recovery of Indians under his personal supervision. MoS thanked him for exceptional medical care & attention being provided to the Indians.”
“MoS @KVSinghMPGonda called on H.E. Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense & Interior of Kuwait. DPM conveyed condolences on behalf of HH the Amir and his instructions to ensure all necessary assistance and support.”
“MoS @KVSinghMPGonda called on FM of Kuwait H.E. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya in Kuwait. FM Yahya conveyed his condolences on the tragic incident. He assured full support including for medical care, early repatriation of mortal remains and investigation of the incident.”
“MoS @KVSinghMPGonda visited Jahra hospital and interacted with 6 Indians admitted there. He appreciated the good care provided to the Indian patients for faster recovery.
“Continuing his visits to hospitals, MoS @KVSinghMPGonda
visited Adan hospital in Kuwait where 12 Indians are being treated.
MoS was happy to note the good care taken by the hospital and doctors.
“MoS @KVSinghMPGonda visited Farwaniya Hospital in Kuwait and checked about the wellbeing of an Indian who was injured in the tragic fire incident in Mangaf. He is recovering well.
“MoS @KVSinghMPGonda visited Mubarak Al Kabeer hospital in Kuwait where 7 injured Indians are admitted. MoS ascertained their well being & assured them of all support from GoI. He also appreciated hospital authorities, doctors and nurses for taking good care of the Indians.”
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