Special IAF Flight Brings Victims' Bodies Home - A special Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft has departed for Kochi, carrying the remains of 45 Indian victims of a devastating fire in Kuwait. The fire broke out in a seven-storey building in Kuwait's Mangaf area on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of 49 foreign workers and injuries to 50 others. A total of 196 migrant workers were residing in the building at the time of the incident.

Kuwaiti authorities reported the fire at 4:30 am, attributing most of the deaths to smoke inhalation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting on June 12 to review the situation, attended by key officials including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.

Key Developments:
Victim Details:

Among the 45 Indian victims, 23 were from Kerala, seven from Tamil Nadu, three each from Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, and others from Odisha, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Haryana, Punjab, and West Bengal.
Repatriation Efforts:

The Indian embassy in Kuwait announced that the IAF aircraft carrying the bodies has taken off for Kochi. Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh, who coordinated with Kuwaiti authorities, is accompanying the flight, which will later proceed to Delhi.
Transport and Identification:

The C-130J transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force is expected to land in Kochi on Friday. DNA tests were conducted on the bodies for identification.
Cause of Fire:

The Kuwaiti Fire Force identified an electrical circuit as the cause of the fire. An investigation ordered by Interior Minister Al-Sabah is ongoing, with directions to apprehend the building's owner and janitor.
Minister's Visit:

Minister KV Singh visited Kuwait, rushing to Jaber Hospital to check on injured Indians. All six hospitalized Indians were reported safe.
Hospital Visits:

The minister also visited five other hospitals, where authorities confirmed that the injured are safe and will be discharged based on their recovery.
Condolences and Support:

Minister KV Singh met with Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, who conveyed condolences from Kuwait’s leadership and assured full support for the affected Indians. Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya promised a thorough investigation.
Local Support in India:

Kerala Health Minister Veena George met the family of Akash, one of the victims, offering condolences and support.
Union Minister’s Statement:

Union Minister Suresh Gopi confirmed his visit to Nedumbassery airport, appreciating the efforts of Dr. Jaishankar and MoS Singh in handling the situation.
Hospital Care:

MoS MEA Kirti Vardhan Singh also visited Jahra Hospital, commending the care provided to the injured Indians.
Read More:

Kerala Announces 5-Lakh Aid for Victims of Kuwait Fire; Health Minister to Coordinate Relief Efforts

Indian Embassy Aids Citizens Affected by Kuwait Fire Tragedy

Kuwait Building Fire Claims 49 Lives, Live Updates: Jaishankar Speaks with Counterpart

Tragedy in Kuwait: 41 Dead, 50 Injured in Mangaf Building Fire, Including 10 Indians