Kuwait: At least 41 workers dead in building fire, as deputy PM orders arrest of property owner
Deputy prime minister Sheikh Fahad said safety violations appeared to be contributing factors to the fire, which killed at least 41 people. He also ordered the arrest of the building's owner.
Wednesday 12 June 2024 15:12, UK
A fire in southern Kuwait has killed at least 41 people, according to the country's deputy prime minister.
The blaze started in an apartment building housing workers in the city of Mangaf and was reported at around 6am (3am in the UK), Major General Eid Rashed Hamad said.
Deputy prime minister Sheikh Fahad blamed the building's owner for the blaze, saying safety violations appeared to be contributing factors.
"Unfortunately, the greed of real estate owners is what leads to these matters," he said.
He also ordered the arrest of the owner during a visit to the site.
State-run news agency KUNA said another 15 people were injured in the fire, and it had been brought under control.
Another senior police commander said while dozens of residents were rescued, "unfortunately there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire".
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He added Kuwait police "always alert and warn against" cramming too many workers into housing accommodation.