Kuwait fire: NBTC group announces ex-gratia of Rs 8 lakh for kin of its deceased workers

A day after the fire incident in Kuwait, which claimed lives of 49 people, the Naser M. Al Baddah & Partner General Trading & Contracting Company (NBTC) group has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 8 lakh each for the kin of deceased. Notably, the tragedy-hit building was occupied by employeed of the NBTC group -- one of the biggest construction companies in Kuwait. According to officials, as many as 40 Indians were killed and over 50 injured in a devastating fire that broke out at dawn in a building housing around 195 migrant workers in southern Kuwait's Mangaf area.

The death toll of Kerala residents in the tragic Kuwait fire has now climbed to 24, with seven others from the southern Indian state sustaining serious injuries and receiving medical treatment in various hospitals across the Gulf nation. Following a special cabinet meeting held on Thursday, the Kerala government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced financial relief for



the victims' families. An ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh will be provided to the families of those who lost their lives, while those who were injured will receive Rs 1 lakh each. 

Kuwaiti authorities are currently conducting DNA tests to identify the bodies of over 40 Indians who died in the catastrophic fire in the Mangaf area. In preparation for the repatriation of the deceased, an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft has already been kept on standby. To oversee the provision of assistance to the injured Indians and expedite the repatriation process, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh has travelled to Kuwait. Shortly after his arrival, Singh met with Kuwait's Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya to discuss the situation. The Indian embassy in Kuwait reported that Al-Yahya assured comprehensive support, including medical care for the injured, the swift repatriation of the mortal remains, and a thorough investigation into the incident.