A devastating fire in Mangaf, Kuwait, has claimed the lives of at least 35 individuals, according to the country’s interior ministry.
Videos circulated on social media depicted flames engulfing the lower levels of the residential building while thick black smoke billowed from the upper floors.
Additionally, around 15 people sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals, with many of them being foreign workers residing in the building.
Despite the tragic incident, officials confirmed that the fire is now under control and rescue operations are ongoing.
The blaze was first reported at 06:00 local time on Wednesday, as stated by Maj-Gen Eid al-Oweihan on state TV.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf al-Sabah expressed concern over potential violations and greed among real estate owners during his visit to the scene, as reported by Reuters.
Local media speculations hinted at overcrowding in the building, while a senior police officer informed state TV about the presence of a large number of individuals in the structure at the time of the fire.
“Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire,” he said, adding that warnings were often issued about overcrowding in this type of accommodation.
There is currently no information available regarding the nationalities of the workers or the specifics of their jobs.