Kuwait fire: Among 45 Indians dead, 23 from Kerala, rest belong to over 10 states — What we know so far

A total of 45 Indians died in the massive fire that erupted at a seven-storey building in Kuwait's Mangaf earlier Wednesday. At least 49 foreign workers were killed and 50 others injured in the fire. As many as 196 migrant workers were reportedly staying in the building.

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The fire in Al-Mangaf building was reported to authorities in Al-Ahmadi governorate at 4.30 am on Wednesday and most of the deaths were due to smoke inhalation, Kuwaiti media reported.

On June 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation at a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and Principal Secretary to PM PK Mishra among others.

Here's all you need to know about the developments related to the Kuwait fire incident:

1. Of the 45 Indians who died in the fire incident, seven are said to be from Tamil Nadu, two from Odisha, one each from Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Haryana, Punjab, and West Bengal, three migrant workers were from Andhra Pradesh, three from Uttar Pradesh and the maximum, 23 residents of Kerala, the government stated in a press release.

2. The Indian embassy in Kuwait took to social media on Friday to inform that a special Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft carrying the mortal remains of 45 Indian victims in the fire incident in Kuwait has taken off for Kochi. "Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh, who coordinated with Kuwaiti authorities to ensure swift repatriation, is onboard the aircraft," it added. The flight is expected to reach Kochi on Friday and then leave for Delhi.

3. Officials in Delhi said the C-130J transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force will bring back bodies on Friday and it will first land in Kochi as most of the deceased Indians are from Kerala, news agency PTI reported. Kuwaiti authorities have already conducted DNA tests on the bodies as part of the identification process.

4. Kuwaiti Fire Force said the deadly fire was caused by an "electrical circuit". In a press statement, it said the conclusion was arrived at after examination of the scene of the incident, Kuwaiti news agency KUNA reported. Interior Minister Al-Sabah had earlier ordered an investigation into the fire incident and issued directions to apprehend the owner and janitor of Al-Mangaf building.

5. On Thursday, Minister KV Singh reached Kuwait and immediately rushed to Jaber Hospital to ascertain the well-being of injured Indians in the fire incident. "He met the 6 injured admitted at the hospital. All of them are safe," the Indian embassy said. It further informed that the minister assured the injured people of government of India's all assistance.

6. Later, the press release stated that the minister visited five hospitals – Adan, Mubarak, Al-Kabeer, Jaber, Farwaniya and Jahra. “According to hospital authorities, all patients are reportedly safe and will be discharged progressively depending upon their medical condition,” it said.

7. Minister KV Singh called on HE Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense & Interior of Kuwait. Al-Sabah “conveyed condolences on behalf of HH the Amir and his instructions to ensure all necessary assistance and support. “Kuwait's Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya assures full support to Indians affected in fire and vows prompt probe,” the Indian mission informed.

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8. On Thursday, Kerala Health Minister Veena George met the bereaved family of Akash, one of the Indians who lost their lives in the tragic fire incident in Kuwait.

9. Union Minister Suresh Gopi said, "...I will be visiting Nedumbassery airport tomorrow. All arrangements have been done there. I will do what I can as an MP but all the work has been done by Dr Jaishankar and MoS (Minister of State for External Affairs). MoS was sent immediately to Kuwait to oversee everything there including the legal procedures"

10. MoS MEA Kirti Vardhan Singh visited Jahra Hospital and interacted with 6 Indians admitted there. He appreciated the good care provided to the Indian patients for faster recovery: India in Kuwait