DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — At least 41 people died when a fire swept through a building that housed workers in Kuwait early Wednesday, and officials said the blaze appeared to be linked to code violations.
Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah confirmed the toll and ordered the arrest of the building’s owner during a visit to the site, local media reported.
The reports said scores of workers were living in the building in the southern Mangaf district, without giving their nationality.
Kuwait, like other Persian Gulf countries, has a large community of migrant workers who far outnumber the local population. The nation of some 4.2 million people is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of New Jersey but has the world’s sixth-largest known oil reserves.
A fire at an oil refinery in 2022 killed four people.
A tragic fire broke out at a worker housing facility in Kuwait, claiming the lives of at least 41 individuals. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, has left the nation in mourning and raised concerns about the safety and living conditions of migrant workers in the country.
The fire reportedly started in one of the rooms of the overcrowded housing facility, which housed hundreds of migrant workers from various countries. The rapid spread of the flames made it difficult for many of the residents to escape, leading to a high number of casualties.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, but initial reports suggest that it may have been sparked by an electrical fault or a cooking accident. The lack of proper fire safety measures in the building, such as fire alarms and sprinkler systems, likely contributed to the high death toll.
The tragic incident has shed light on the living conditions of migrant workers in Kuwait, many of whom are employed in low-paying jobs in construction, domestic work, and other industries. These workers often live in cramped and poorly maintained accommodations, with little access to basic amenities and safety measures.
In response to the fire, government officials have promised to conduct a thorough investigation and take steps to improve safety standards in worker housing facilities. They have also pledged to provide support to the families of the victims and ensure that those responsible for the tragedy are held accountable.
International organizations and human rights groups have called for greater protections for migrant workers in Kuwait and other Gulf countries, where they often face exploitation and abuse. They have urged governments to enforce labor laws, improve living conditions, and provide better access to healthcare and legal support for migrant workers.
As the nation mourns the loss of those who perished in the tragic fire, it is crucial that steps are taken to prevent such incidents from happening again. Ensuring the safety and well-being of all workers, regardless of their nationality or status, should be a top priority for governments and employers in Kuwait and beyond.
