Kuwait Tragedy: Government Takes Action Against Illegal Properties after Mangaf fire killed 50 people
According to a report by the Arab Times newspaper, the Kuwait Municipality has started strict action against illegal property extensions to prevent future disasters like the one in Mangaf. After the Mangaf tragedy, the Kuwaiti government is preparing to take strict action against illegal property extensions. On Wednesday, a fire broke out in a building in Mangaf, a southern province of Kuwait, killing 50 people. Among the dead, 46 were Indians. All the people were sleeping when the fire broke out, and most deaths occurred due to smoke inhalation. The building housed 196 migrant workers, most of whom were Indian.
Kuwait Municipality Takes Action
After the Mangaf tragedy, there have been demands for action against landlords and company owners. The Kuwaiti government is also preparing to take action against those who keep a large number of foreign workers in unsafe conditions to cut costs and violate laws. According to a report by the Arab Times newspaper, the Kuwait Municipality has started strict action against illegal property extensions to prevent future disasters like the one in Mangaf.
Illegal Property Extensions, a Major Issue in Kuwait
Illegal property conversions have been a widespread issue in Kuwait, where basement parking spaces are turned into warehouses, and vacant ground floor areas are converted into housing units and shops for extra income. These changes often happen without any approval, compromising the safety and integrity of buildings. On Friday, a team from the Indian Embassy in Kuwait visited hospitals where 25 Indians injured in the Mangaf tragedy are being treated.
Fire Spread from the Guard Room to the Entire Building
Patients with injuries communicate with their relatives. The Mangaf incident investigation is still ongoing in the meanwhile. According to the inquiry, a short circuit caused the fire to begin in a ground floor guard room and quickly spread throughout the structure. Out of the 196 workers in the building at the time of the tragedy, 179 were Indian. Many victims attempted to run down the stairs, but the smoke caused them to choke. There were several fatalities since they were unable to reach the roof due to the blocked door. The migrant workers’ employer apologized for the event and said the victims will get compensation. K.G. Abraham, a Keralan businessman residing in Kuwait, is a partner and managing director of the company.
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