Mangaf, Kuwait: A massive fire in a Mangaf residential building claimed the lives of 42 Indian workers on Wednesday. Among the victims, 24 hailed from Kerala and 5 from Tamil Nadu. The blaze, which killed a total of 49 foreign workers, has left the Indian community in mourning.
Victims and Their Stories
The victims included 29-year-old engineer Stephin Abraham Sabu from Kottayam, Kerala, and 34-year-old Ranjith from Kasargod, who had planned to return home in July. Other victims from Kerala included Sajan George from Punalur, Lucose from Kollam, and Akash S. Nair from Panthalam. Chennasseril Saju Varghese, a 65-year-old man from Pathanamthitta, was also among the deceased. Tamil Nadu victims included Rama Karuppan, Veerasamy Mariappan, Chinnadurai Krishnamurthy, Mohammed Sherif, and Richard.
State Governments’ Response
The Kerala government announced ₹5 lakh financial assistance to the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh to those injured. Kerala Health Minister Veena George will visit Kuwait to coordinate efforts. Tamil Nadu’s government is working to repatriate the bodies and ensure medical care for the injured.
National and International Actions
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with his Kuwaiti counterpart, urging swift repatriation of the bodies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced ₹2 lakh ex-gratia relief from the PM Relief Fund.
Victims’ Profiles
Stephin Abraham Sabu (29), Kottayam, Kerala: An engineer from Pampadi, leaves behind his mother and two brothers.
Kelu Ponmaleri, Thrikaripur: Leaves behind his wife KN Mani.
Ranjith (34), Kasargod: Recently celebrated the housewarming of his new home.
Sajan George (29), Punalur: Survived by his parents and sister.
Lucose, Kollam: Survived by his wife Shiny and children Lydia and Lois.
Akash S. Nair (32), Pathanamthitta: Had been working in Kuwait for the past eight years.
Chennasseril Saju Varghese (65), Pathanamthitta: Worked in Kuwait for 22 years, survived by his wife and two children.
Sreehari Pradeep, Changanassery: Mechanical engineer, son of Pradeep who also works in Kuwait.
Rama Karuppan, Veerasamy Mariappan, Chinnadurai Krishnamurthy, Mohammed Sherif, and Richard from Tamil Nadu: Identified by Tamil associations abroad, belong to Thanjavur, Ramanathapuram, and Peravurani regions.
Government Support and Investigations
Kerala Government: Announced financial assistance and dispatched Health Minister Veena George to Kuwait.
Tamil Nadu Government: Coordinating with Kuwaiti authorities for repatriation and medical care.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Reviewed the situation, announced ex-gratia relief, and emphasized support through the Indian Embassy in Kuwait.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar: Communicated with Kuwaiti officials for a thorough investigation and quick repatriation of the deceased.
Ongoing Efforts
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation, ensuring proper medical care for the injured, and working with Kuwaiti authorities to assist affected families. The blaze has spotlighted the harsh living conditions of migrant workers and the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.
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