An Indian Air Force flight has repatriated the bodies of 45 workers who perished in a fire in Kuwait. The blaze erupted on Wednesday at a residential building in Mangaf city, home to 176 Indian workers.
Casualties and Injuries
Kuwaiti authorities reported that the fire claimed the lives of 50 people, including 45 Indians and three Filipinos, with two bodies yet to be identified. In addition to the fatalities, dozens of workers, predominantly Indian, sustained injuries in the incident.
Dependence on Migrant Labor
Kuwait’s workforce largely consists of foreign workers, who constitute two-thirds of the population. The country heavily relies on migrant labor, particularly in the construction and domestic sectors.
Repatriation and Tribute
The flight landed in Kochi, Kerala, on Friday morning, where the bodies of workers from southern Indian states were handed over to local authorities. The aircraft then proceeded to Delhi. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with other state lawmakers, was present at the airport to receive and pay homage to the deceased workers.
“This is a huge tragedy for our country. Kerala’s migrant workers are the lifeblood of our state. The fire in Kuwait is one of the biggest tragedies to affect our community,” stated Mr. Vijayan.
Government Support
Both state and federal governments have announced compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in the fire, recognizing the significant impact of this disaster on the migrant community.
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