THREE Filipino workers in Kuwait died while two others are in “critical condition” after fire broke out in their residential building on Wednesday, the Department of Migrant Workers said yesterday.
Earlier reports said the fire in the building housing foreign workers killed at least 49 people. Kuwait’s deputy prime minister accused property owners of committing violations that contribute towards such incidents.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the three overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) died from “smoke inhalation.” He said smoke inhalation is also the reason the two other OFWs are critical condition.
Cacdac said the five casualties were among 11 OFWs working for the same Kuwaiti construction company housed in the building that caught fire.
He added that the six other OFWs are “all safe and unharmed.”
Cacdac also said specific instructions were given to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Kuwait and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to coordinate with the Philippine Embassy under Ambassador Jose Cabrera for the repatriation of the remains of the three fatalities.
He said OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio is also reaching out to the families and relatives of the 11 OFWs.
“We are in touch with the families of all the affected OFWs, including the families of those two in critical condition and the families of the three fatalities. Six of them are now safe and provided with their immediate needs. We will provide all the necessary assistance and support to the OFWs and their families in this difficult time as directed by the President,” Cacdac said.
Kuwait authorities said the building hit by fire on Wednesday served as housing and dormitory facility for foreign workers employed by the Kuwaiti construction company.
The building is located in al-Mangaf, a coastal city south of Kuwait City.
Reports said at least 40 Indians were among the 49 killed, while around 50 other Indians were injured. Authorities said most casualties were from the southern Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Local media reports said that the building was housing 196 foreign workers.
Kuwaiti authorities did not disclose what kind of employment the workers were engaged in, though like in other Gulf states, Kuwait relies heavily on foreign labor in industries like construction, including from South and Southeast Asia.
An Egyptian who survived the fire and worked as a driver in Kuwait, told local media the fire had started on a lower floor and that those on higher levels were unable to escape.
Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the fire and said that any official found responsible would be held accountable. — With Reuters