THREE Filipinos working in the Mangaf District in Kuwait were among the 49 casualties after a fire broke out in a six-storey residential building where a little less than 200 foreign workers were living.
“The three, who died from smoke inhalation, were part of a group of 11 OFWs, all working for the same Kuwaiti construction company housed in the building that caught fire,” Migrant Workers Chief Hans Cacdac said in a statement.
Aside from the three casualties, two other overseas Filipino workers were also taken to the hospital – “Two other OFWs remain in the hospital and are in critical condition, while the remaining six are all safe and unharmed,” added Cacdac even as he hinted at government efforts to reach out with the families of affected OFWs.
“We will provide all the necessary assistance and support to the OFWs and their families in this difficult time as directed by the President,” he assured.
The DMW earlier reported that the fire that killed 49 people – mostly Indian nationals – began in a kitchen inside the six-storey building and quickly spread to the apartment.
Kuwait’s Interior Ministry said victims died due to smoke inhalation while residents were sleeping.
Local news reports described the Mangaf building fire incident as the worst building fire in Kuwait’s history.
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio has also instructed the welfare office in Kuwait to attend to the immediate needs of the victims. (ANGEL F. JOSE)
