DUBAI – A devastating fire broke out in a building housing workers in the city of Mangaf in southern Kuwait early on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 41 people, according to the country’s deputy prime minister, Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah.
During a visit to the site, Sheikh Fahad accused real estate owners of violations and greed, attributing these factors to the tragic incident. “Unfortunately, the greed of real estate owners is what leads to these matters,” said Sheikh Fahad, who also oversees the interior and defense ministries.
The fire was reported to authorities at 6:00 a.m. local time (0300 GMT), as stated by Major General Eid Rashed Hamad.
“The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there was a large number of workers there. Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire,” another senior police commander told state TV.
The commander highlighted ongoing concerns about the overcrowding of workers in housing accommodations, without providing specific details about the workers’ types of employment or their countries of origin. The fire has been contained, and authorities are currently investigating its cause.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of housing regulations to prevent such disasters in the future.