A devastating fire swept through a residential building in Kuwait’s Al-Rai area on Sunday, killing five people and injuring at least 43 others, according to Kuwaiti authorities. The inferno triggered scenes of chaos and desperation as trapped residents were seen leaping from windows in a desperate attempt to escape the flames.
The blaze broke out in the early hours of the morning and quickly engulfed the multi-storey building, which was primarily occupied by expatriate workers. Emergency responders, including firefighters, police, and paramedics, rushed to the scene after receiving distress calls. Despite their rapid deployment, the intensity of the fire resulted in multiple casualties before it could be brought under control.
According to Brigadier General Muhammad Al-Gharib, Director of Public Relations and Media at the Kuwait Fire Force, five individuals were confirmed dead at the scene. He stated that 43 others suffered various degrees of injuries, ranging from burns to smoke inhalation and fractures from jumping out of windows.
Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes as flames tore through the structure. Videos circulating on social media captured residents screaming for help and using bedsheets and ropes to lower themselves down from upper floors. Several fell from dangerous heights, while others were rescued using cranes and ladders by the Kuwait Fire Force.
Initial investigations suggest the fire may have started on a lower floor before spreading rapidly due to poor ventilation and overcrowded living conditions. Authorities are currently examining whether violations of building safety regulations contributed to the rapid spread and high casualty count.
Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah visited the site shortly after the fire was extinguished and vowed a thorough investigation. He stated that any property owner or entity found negligent in maintaining safety standards would be held accountable. “This is a tragedy that should never happen again,” he said.
The building, like many in the Al-Rai area, was reportedly housing dozens of foreign workers, primarily from South Asia. Kuwait has long faced criticism over living conditions in densely populated labor accommodations, where poor infrastructure and safety oversight are recurring concerns.
Rescue operations continued for hours as emergency services worked to account for all the residents. Victims were taken to nearby hospitals, including Al-Amiri and Mubarak Al-Kabeer, where some remain in critical condition.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health confirmed that emergency rooms were placed on high alert to deal with the influx of patients. Additional medical staff were called in to assist with the treatment of those injured in the incident.
Human rights advocates and migrant worker organizations have called for an immediate review of building codes and living conditions for expatriates in Kuwait. They argue that overcrowded and poorly maintained buildings pose a persistent danger, especially in industrial and labor-centric districts like Al-Rai.
The Kuwait Fire Force urged residents and building owners to adhere to fire safety protocols and install proper smoke detection systems. It also called for regular inspections to ensure emergency exits and escape routes are accessible and functional.
As Kuwait mourns the loss of life, questions mount over how such a deadly fire could occur in a densely populated area without earlier intervention or adequate safety measures. The authorities have promised accountability, but for many families affected by Sunday’s disaster, the damage is already irreparable.
Funeral arrangements for the victims are being coordinated with the assistance of their respective embassies, while the injured continue to receive treatment. The investigation remains ongoing as forensic teams comb through the rubble to determine the precise cause of the blaze.
Source; Arab Times
