Kuwait City: A devastating fire tore through a residential apartment complex in Kuwait’s Riggae area on Friday, claiming the lives of six expatriates and leaving at least fifteen others injured. The victims include individuals of Asian and African origin, according to preliminary reports from the Kuwaiti authorities.

The fire reportedly broke out during the early hours of the morning in two interconnected apartment buildings primarily occupied by expatriate workers. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as residents attempted to escape thick smoke and intense flames, with some leaping from windows in a desperate bid for survival.

Three charred bodies were found at the site by first responders, while the remaining victims succumbed to injuries either on-site or at hospitals. Among the fifteen injured, four individuals are reported to be in critical condition and are receiving intensive care at nearby medical facilities.

Kuwait Fire Force units from the Shuwaikh Industrial and Ardiya fire stations responded swiftly to the emergency call. Despite their rapid arrival, the fire had already engulfed significant portions of the building, complicating rescue operations. Firefighters battled for hours to contain the blaze and evacuate residents trapped inside.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, though early speculation points to a possible electrical short circuit, which is common in densely populated buildings where maintenance standards are not consistently met. A formal inquiry has been launched to determine whether fire safety violations or negligence contributed to the tragedy.

The Public Relations and Media Department of the Kuwait Fire Force has issued a strong appeal to landlords and property owners across the country, urging strict compliance with fire safety codes and installation of preventative equipment like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior and civil defense authorities have vowed a comprehensive investigation and promised to hold any responsible parties accountable. Meanwhile, humanitarian groups and embassy officials are working to identify the deceased and assist the affected families.

The fire has sent shockwaves through Kuwait’s large expat community, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety protocols and better enforcement of housing standards, especially in buildings housing foreign laborers. As the nation mourns the loss of life, there is growing pressure on the government to address systemic issues contributing to such avoidable tragedies.

Source: News Agencies