June 12 (Punjab Khabarnama) : A devastating fire has claimed the lives of at least 35 people in the southern Mangaf district of Kuwait, according to the state-run Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). The blaze broke out early Wednesday morning, engulfing the building in flames. The fire, which started in the early hours, quickly spread through the building, trapping many inside.
According to onmanorama, five Keralites were among those killed in the fire.
KUNA reported that the fire had been brought under control and that authorities were combing the area for evidence as to the cause of the blaze.
“The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there was a large number of workers there. Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire,” a senior police commander told state TV.
“We always alert and warn against” cramming too many workers into housing accommodation, he said, without providing details on the workers’ type of employment or place of origin.
Authorities say an investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire.