Early Wednesday, a devastating fire broke out in a building in Kuwait, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 41 lives. The incident occurred in the southern Mangaf district, where the building was being used to house workers. The cause of the fire is believed to be linked to code violations, according to officials.
Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah visited the site and confirmed the death toll. He also took immediate action by ordering the arrest of the building's owner. The workers residing in the building at the time of the fire were not identified by nationality.
Kuwait, like many other countries in the Persian Gulf region, has a significant population of migrant workers. These workers often outnumber the local population in countries such as Kuwait. With a population of around 4.2 million people, Kuwait is known for having the world's sixth-largest oil reserves, despite its relatively small size compared to a U.S. state like New Jersey.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and building codes to prevent such disasters. Unfortunately, this is not the first time Kuwait has faced such a tragedy, as a fire at an oil refinery in 2022 claimed the lives of four individuals.