Kuwait fire tragedy: 13 Kerala victims identified among 14.
Around 18 employees who lived in the ill-fated building left around 4 a.m. to begin their morning duties. This timing potentially saved their lives, as the fire broke out shortly after, tragically claiming the lives of 14 others.
Thiruvananthapuram: Thirteen of the 14 Keralites who tragically perished in the deadly fire that devastated a building in Kuwait’s southern city of Al-Mangaf have been identified. The fire, which broke out in a labour camp, resulted in the deaths of 49 employees associated with a Keralite-owned company. The tragic news has left their families devastated and mourning the sudden and unexpected loss of their loved ones.
The Kuwait fire incident is a stark reminder of the precarious conditions faced by many expatriate workers. In the early hours of Wednesday, around 4:30 a.m., the fire engulfed the building where the workers were residing. According to sources in Kuwait, the death toll could have been even higher had it not been for the 18 employees who had left the building around 4 a.m. to begin their morning duties. This small window of time likely saved their lives, highlighting the narrow escape from the devastating Kuwait fire.
The victims’ families in Kerala are grappling with immense grief. George Pothen, a grieving father from Pathanamthitta, shared his heart-wrenching story. We spoke to him on Tuesday night also,” he said, unable to hold back tears. The Kuwait fire has brought untold sorrow to many families like George’s, who had hopes and dreams pinned on their loved ones working abroad.
Another family, also hit by the tragedy, is struggling to come to terms with the loss. A woman, whose brother was among the victims, recounted the harrowing experience. “When the news of the fire came on TV, I knew it was the same company where my brother worked. We tried to believe that my brother would be safe, but it was not. The Kuwait fire has left an indelible mark on the lives of these families, causing pain and suffering that words cannot fully capture.
Among the identified victims is Stephin Abraham, 29, from Pampady in Kottayam. An engineer who had been working in Kuwait for the past six years, Stephin was described by his landlord as a dedicated and hardworking individual. “He was my tenant for a few years and was building his own home. He was here six months back to see the progress of his house,” the landlord said, reflecting on the life cut short by the Kuwait fire.
The company, owned by K.G. Abraham, a Keralite with diverse business interests in the Middle East, including a five-star hotel in Kochi, has also been deeply affected by the incident. The Kuwait fire has not only claimed lives but has also impacted the broader business community and expatriate network connected to the company.
The Kuwait fire has prompted swift action from the Indian government, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the need to provide support to the affected families.
Meanwhile, a diaspora meeting scheduled to be inaugurated in the state capital city by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been cancelled due to the tragedy. The deliberations will now be held on Friday and Saturday. CM Vijayan has also called for an emergency cabinet meeting to take stock of the situation and decide on the compensation to be given to the affected families. The Kuwait fire has necessitated immediate governmental response and support to help the families cope with their loss.
The Kuwait fire has underscored the urgent need for improved safety measures in expatriate housing and work environments. The tragic loss of 49 lives, including 13 Keralites, is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by workers abroad. As the Indian government and the families of the victims grapple with the aftermath, the incident calls for a renewed focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of expatriate workers.
The emotional toll of the Kuwait fire is immense. Families are left to navigate the complex process of repatriating the bodies of their loved ones, dealing with the bureaucratic and logistical challenges that come with such a task. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait, in coordination with the Union Ministry of State, is working diligently to ensure that the remains of the victims are brought back to India promptly and respectfully.
In the face of such a devastating event, the resilience of the affected families and the broader community is being tested. The outpouring of support from local communities, government officials, and expatriate organizations highlights the collective grief and the need for solidarity in times of tragedy. The Kuwait fire has brought together people from different walks of life, united in their efforts to support those who have lost their loved ones.
As the families mourn and the repatriation process continues, there is also a growing call for accountability and justice. Investigations into the cause of the Kuwait fire are underway, and there is a pressing need to ensure that such tragedies do not occur in the future. The safety and security of expatriate workers must be prioritized to prevent another catastrophe like the Kuwait fire.
The Kuwait fire tragedy will leave a lasting impact on the lives of the victims’ families, the expatriate community, and the broader society. It serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by workers in unfamiliar environments and the need for robust safety protocols. As the investigation into the Kuwait fire continues, it is hoped that the lessons learned will lead to improved safety standards and better protection for all workers.
In conclusion, the Kuwait fire has brought immense grief and suffering to many families in Kerala and beyond. The loss of 49 lives, including 13 Keralites, is a tragic reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by expatriate workers. The swift response from the Indian government and the ongoing efforts to repatriate the bodies reflect the seriousness of the situation. As the families cope with their loss and the broader community rallies in support, the Kuwait fire underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures and accountability to prevent such tragedies in the future.