📷 Image Credits: Onmanorama
The tragic incident of the deadly fire at Kuwait’s Mangaf that claimed the lives of 45 Indians and three Filipino nationals has deeply affected the nation. The bodies of 31 victims have arrived in Kerala with their mortal remains being repatriated. The C-130J transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force reached the Cochin International Airport at 10.25 am on Friday, carrying the remains of the deceased. The immigration, customs, and airport health office formalities of all 45 Indians were completed in Kochi.
Among the deceased, 23 individuals were from Kerala, 7 from Tamil Nadu, and 1 from Karnataka. The mortal remains of the victims have been accepted by the authorities in Kochi, with plans to transport the remaining 14 bodies to Delhi on a domestic flight. The bodies were received by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, ministers, and other officials, as the public paid homage to the victims at the Nedumbassery Cargo Airport.
The tragic incident has led to a somber atmosphere, with the bodies of the victims from Kerala and Tamil Nadu being transported to their respective homes after a guard of honor. Ambulances were arranged to facilitate the transportation, ensuring that the bodies are shifted to the mortuary if the funeral is not scheduled for the day. The fire, suspected to have been caused by an electrical circuit, resulted in the loss of lives due to smoke inhalation.
The Indian embassy in Kuwait has been actively involved in the process, with Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh coordinating with Kuwaiti authorities for the repatriation of remains. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, serving as the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Minister of Defence, has provided assurances of full support, including medical care, early repatriation of mortal remains, and investigation into the incident.
In the wake of this tragic event, authorities have ordered an investigation into the fire incident, with directions to apprehend the owner and janitor of the building. The construction firm NBTC group, which rented the building for over 195 workers, is under scrutiny. The fire, which started in a kitchen, has raised concerns about safety regulations and the living conditions of migrant workers in Kuwait.
