A special Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft has departed from Kuwait, carrying the bodies of 45 Indian nationals who perished in a devastating fire that engulfed a six-story building in Mangaf city two days ago. The aircraft is scheduled to arrive in Kerala's Kochi around 11 am, after which it will proceed to Delhi.

"A special IAF aircraft carrying mortal remains of 45 Indian victims in the fire incident in Kuwait has taken off for Kochi. MoS @KVSinghMPGonda, who coordinated with Kuwaiti authorities ensuring swift repatriation, is onboard the aircraft," announced the Indian embassy in Kuwait.

Kirti Vardhan Singh, the newly appointed junior minister in the foreign ministry and Gonda MP, who rushed to Kuwait to manage the crisis, is returning on the same aircraft. Singh visited five hospitals in Kuwait where the injured Indian workers are being treated and coordinated the repatriation efforts with Kuwaiti officials.

Visuals shared online show ambulances on standby at the Cochin International Airport in preparation for the aircraft's arrival.

The catastrophic fire, which broke out in Mangaf city on Wednesday, claimed at least 48 lives, including 45 Indian workers. The Indian embassy reported that of the 176 Indian workers residing in the housing facility, 45 lost their lives, 33 are hospitalized, and the remaining are reportedly safe.

The deceased include 23 individuals from Kerala, seven from Tamil Nadu, three from Uttar Pradesh, two from Odisha, and one each from Bihar, Punjab, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Haryana.

During his visit, Minister Singh met with Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, who pledged full support and assistance for the rapid repatriation of the victims' bodies.

"The bodies were charred beyond recognition, and DNA testing was necessary to confirm their identities," Singh stated. Authorities identified 48 bodies, 45 of which were Indian nationals and three Filipino nationals, according to a report quoting Al-Sabah.

This tragic event has underscored the vulnerability of migrant workers in the Gulf region and the importance of robust safety measures in their living and working conditions. As the families of the victims prepare to receive their loved ones, the Indian government continues to work with Kuwaiti authorities to ensure the well-being of the injured and the safe return of those affected by the tragedy.