Mangaf Fire Tragedy 2024

 

June 12, 2024: Mangaf Fire Breaks Out

Early Morning Fire

In the early hours of June 12, 2024, a devastating fire erupted in a residential building in Mangaf, Kuwait. This building housed 196 male migrant workers from the NBTC Group, a significant number from India and the Philippines.  

Rapid Spread of the Fire

The fire, which began on the ground floor, spread rapidly due to the presence of flammable materials. An electrical short circuit was identified as the cause of the blaze, making it difficult for many to escape the quickly spreading flames.  

Tragic Loss of Life

The fire resulted in the tragic loss of 50 migrant workers’ lives. Of these, at least 46 were Indian nationals. Many victims succumbed to smoke inhalation or injuries sustained from falling while trying to escape.  

Impact on Indian Nationals

This tragedy particularly hard hit India. The Indian community, including those from Kerala, suffered significant losses. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sadness over the incident, offering condolences and prayers for the victims and their families.  

Injuries and Hospitalizations

In addition to the fatalities, around 50 other workers were injured. Hospitals in Kuwait admitted over 30 Indian citizens, with several receiving treatment for injuries caused by the fire. The Indian ambassador visited these hospitals to ensure that the injured were receiving proper care.  

Kuwait’s Response

Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah visited the site and accused property owners of violations that may have contributed to the fire. The exact nature of these violations was not immediately clear, but the overcrowded living conditions of low-paid workers were highlighted as a significant issue.  

Impact on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)

The fire also deeply affected the Filipino community. Out of the 11 OFWs in the building, three tragically died from smoke inhalation, while two remained in critical condition. The Philippine migrant workers ministry confirmed these details, ensuring that the situation was being closely monitored.  

June 13, 2024: Official Statements and Aid

Pledges of Financial Aid

On June 13, Kuwaiti officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister, pledged financial aid and support for the victims. His Excellency Fahad Yousuf Saud Al-Sabah committed $15,000 to each of the OFW families affected by the fire. This amount, in addition to any insurance benefits, would be provided through the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait.  

Condolences from Saudi Leadership

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud sent their condolences to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, expressing their sorrow over the tragic deaths caused by the Mangaf fire.  

Investigation and Accountability

Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah ordered an immediate investigation into the fire’s cause, vowing to hold any responsible officials accountable. The Interior Ministry took charge of the investigation, searching for victims and identifying those who had perished in the blaze.  

June 14, 2024: International Support

Support from OWWA

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) announced on June 14 that P220,000 worth of burial assistance will be provided to the relatives of the three OFWs who died in the Mangaf fire. Additionally, the relatives will receive P15,000 worth of livelihood assistance. These are separate from the aid provided by the Department of Migrant Workers and the Kuwaiti government.  

Condolences and Meetings

On June 14, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Kuwait, Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, extended his condolences to Indian and Filipino delegations. He met with Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh and member of the Philippine Congress Ron Salo to express his heartfelt sympathy and discuss issues of common interest.  

June 20, 2024: Kuwait Cabinet Response

Kuwait Cabinet Holds Weekly Session

The Kuwait Cabinet held its weekly session to review the actions taken by the Ministry of Interior and the General Fire Force in dealing with the tragic fire incident in Mangaf. The Cabinet expressed its gratitude and appreciation to all entities involved in extinguishing the fire, including the Ministry of Interior, the General Fire Force, the Ministry of Health, and the Kuwait Municipality, for their sincere efforts in handling this painful tragedy.  

Praise for Efforts

The Cabinet praised the efforts of the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Youssef Saud Al-Sabah, for conducting inspection campaigns on illegal properties and buildings in several areas. These campaigns were carried out with the participation of the Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs, Dr. Noura Mohammed Al-Mashaan, and several officials from the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Electricity and Water, the Kuwait Municipality, the General Fire Force, and the Public Authority for Manpower. These efforts aim to reduce violations, address encroachments, and hold those responsible accountable.  

Humanitarian Initiative

The Cabinet also praised the humanitarian initiative of His Highness the Amir of the country, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, for donating financial aid to the families of the victims. The Cabinet expressed its deepest condolences and sympathy to the victims’ families, wishing patience and solace to their loved ones.  

Power Outage Explanation

During the session, the Cabinet listened to an explanation by the Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy about the reasons for the power outage in some parts of the six governorates. The outage was due to the inability of power generation stations to meet the increasing demand for electrical loads during peak periods and high temperatures. The Cabinet assigned the Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy to follow up on the issue and find appropriate solutions. The minister added that on June 11, 2024, contracts and maintenance tenders were approved to enhance the efficiency of power generation stations, which will be implemented progressively in the coming weeks.

June 24, 2024: Ongoing Support and Repatriation

Ensuring Support and Repatriation

Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo expressed gratitude towards the Kuwaiti government for their support. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the victims’ families received the pledged financial assistance and that the remains of the deceased OFWs were repatriated promptly. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is coordinating the repatriation of the remains of the three Filipino workers who died and closely monitoring the two critically injured OFWs.  

Additional Measures and Inspections

Monitoring Unauthorized Basements

In response to the Mangaf fire, the Kuwait Municipality stepped up monitoring of unauthorized basements and other potential safety violations. Surprise inspections were conducted across various governorates, and unauthorized basements were identified and reported. Efforts to ensure compliance with safety and engineering regulations are ongoing, with a hotline available for reporting violations.  

Broader Safety Initiatives

Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry also confiscated a warehouse in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh containing 500 used car tires being sold as new. Additionally, the Kuwait Fire Force closed 55 shops and establishments for failing to comply with fire safety requirements, highlighting a broader crackdown on safety violations.  

Reminder: What to Do in the Event of a Fire

1. Stay Calm and Act Quickly: Panic can hinder your ability to make clear decisions. Stay calm and act swiftly to ensure your safety.
2. Know Your Exits: Familiarize yourself with all possible exits in your building. In case of a fire, use the nearest safe exit to leave the building.
3. Avoid Elevators: During a fire, elevators may become inoperative or unsafe. Always use stairways to exit.
4. Stay Low to the Ground: Smoke rises, so staying low to the ground can help you avoid inhaling toxic fumes.
5. Check Doors for Heat: Before opening any door, feel it with the back of your hand. If it’s hot, do not open it; find an alternate escape route.

 

Thoughts and Prayers

As we reflect on the Mangaf tragedy, our hearts go out to all those affected, especially the families of the deceased and injured overseas Filipino workers. This devastating event underscores the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers and the need for stricter safety measures in their accommodations. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the injured recover swiftly.  

Check out my video for this blog:

  If you like reading this, please like and share my page, DIARYNIGRACIA PAGE. Questions, suggestions, send me at diarynigracia@gmail.com You may also follow my Instagram account featuring microliterature #microlit. For more of my artworks, visit DIARYNIGRACIA INSTAGRAM  

READ MORE AND SHARE!

2023 Your Practical Wedding Guide Investments and Finance Ultimate Guide Your Ultimate Access to Kuwait Directories in this COVID-19 Crisis Poetry Books: Anthology A Devotional Journal: Thankful from Within A Devotional Journal: Healing with Hope as Life Goes On Global Filipino Blogger