Kochi: A special Air Force aircraft has landed in Kerala, carrying the bodies of 45 Indians who died in a tragic fire in Kuwait. The blaze erupted in a six-storied building in Mangaf city, killing at least 48 people, including 45 Indian workers. Among the deceased, 23 hailed from Kerala, while others were from various states including Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. The Indian embassy confirmed that out of the 176 Indian workers in the facility, 33 are hospitalized, with the remaining workers reported safe.

Junior foreign minister Kirti Vardhan Singh, who coordinated the swift repatriation efforts with Kuwaiti authorities, was onboard the aircraft. He visited five hospitals treating the injured Indian workers, with plans for their discharge based on health conditions. During his visit, Singh met with Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, who assured full support in repatriating the bodies, which were identified through DNA testing due to severe charring.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, upon reviewing the incident, announced a compensation of ₹ 2 lakh for the families of the deceased. Meanwhile, Kuwaiti authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to over 160 people staying in the building. The local administration aims to understand the cause of the fire and prevent such tragedies in the future.