In a devastating incident, a fire that broke out in a residential apartment in Kuwait on Wednesday morning has claimed the lives of at least 40 Indians, including 11 individuals from Kerala, according to a report by Onmanorama, a Kerala-based news website.

The fire, which erupted on a lower floor of the building in the Mangaf area of Kuwait's southern Ahmadi Governate, quickly spread, causing extensive damage and resulting in numerous casualties. The building was reportedly rented by the NBTC Group, owned by KG Abraham, a businessman from Kerala.

The Indian nationals who perished in the tragedy included people from various states such as Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Onmanorama identified some of the Indian victims as Umarudheen Shameer, Ranjith, Shibu Varghese, Thomas Joseph, Praveen Madhav, Lukose Vadakkott Unnoonni, Bhoonath Richard Roy Anand, Kelu Ponmaleri, Stephen Abraham Sahu, Anil Giri, Muhammad Shareef, Saju Varghese, Dwarikesh Patnaik, PV Muraleedharan, Viswas Krishnan, Arun Babu, Sajan George, Raymond, Jesus Lopez, Akash Sasidharan Nair, and Danny Baby Karunakaran.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, the report mentioned that 35 individuals are currently under intensive care, with 11 on ventilator support due to severe injuries sustained in the blaze.

Indian envoy Adarsh Swaika promptly visited the site to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts. The Indian embassy in Kuwait has released an emergency helpline number, +965 65505246, to assist those affected by the tragedy.

In response to the incident, the Union government has announced that Kirti Vardhan Singh, the newly appointed Minister of State for External Affairs, will be dispatched to Kuwait. His mission will be to oversee the relief operations and ensure the early repatriation of the mortal remains of those who lost their lives.