Kuwait: A fire broke out in a building at Mangaf city in Kuwait on Wednesday caused to the death of 40 Indians and another 50 persons injured, said MEA.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation of ₹ 2 lakh each for the bereaved family members. He held a high level review meeting on fire accident in Kuwait at his residence in New Delhi.

The fire started at 9 am in which 49 people were killed. According to the official sources the fire started in a kitchen in the six-storey building. Nearly 195 people were in the building all workers of the same company living in it.

Most of the deaths were due to smoke inhalation while residents were sleeping, said officials. The injured are being treated in five Government hospitals are Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer and Jahra in Kuwait.

The Indian embassy in Kuwait is in touch with local authorities and has established a helpline +965-65505246 (WhatsApp and regular calls) for family members to get in touch, said MEA.

Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika visited the building where the fire broke out and the different hospitals where the injured were admitted.

Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, has ordered authorities to investigate the fire and said those responsible for the tragedy would be held accountable.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level review meeting at his residence and announced compensation of ₹ 2 lakh each for the families of those who died. He extended condolences to the families of those who were killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Minister of State Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh is immediately travelling to Kuwait on the directions of the PM, to work towards early repatriation of mortal remains as well as for medical assistance to those injured.