Charred bodies of Kuwaiti fire victims, DNA tests to confirm identity

The bodies of some of the Indians killed in the Kuwait fire are charred beyond recognition and DNA tests are being carried out to confirm the identity of the victims, Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh said.

Congressman Gonda, who had to rush to the Gulf country soon after assuming office as Minister of State for External Affairs, said an Indian Air Force plane is ready to bring the bodies home. “Once the bodies are identified, their families will be informed and our Air Force plane will bring the bodies back,” he said. According to the latest figures, he said, at least 48 people died in the fire in the town of Mangaf and 42 of them were believed to be Indians.

The fire in the six-story building started yesterday in the kitchen. Nearly 200 people lived in the building and authorities said most of the deaths were caused by smoke inhalation while sleeping.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the tragic incident at a high-level meeting at his residence last night and announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those killed in the fire. He expressed condolences to the families and wished the injured – around 50 – a speedy recovery. In fact, it is the survivors who help authorities identify bodies with severe burns.

Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar spoke to his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. “It was assured that the incident would be fully investigated and accountability would be rectified,” Mr. Jaishankar said in X. “He urged early repatriation of the mortal remains of those who lost their lives. He emphasized that the injured were receiving necessary medical care attention,” he added.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has started a helpline +965-65505246 for the victims’ families to contact. The first list of victims’ names is expected to be released today.

The local administration began an investigation into how more than 160 people were staying in the building. The owner of the building and also the person responsible for the workers may be sued.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government said that at least five of the victims are from the state. Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his condolences. KS Masthan, Tamil Nadu’s minister for non-resident Tamils, said identifying the bodies was a challenge and they were awaiting official confirmation.

Indians make up 21 percent of Kuwait’s total population and 30 percent of its workforce.