Fire in Southern Kuwait Kills at Least 41, Deputy Prime Minister Blames Building Owner

At least 41 people died when a fire swept through a building that housed workers in Kuwait early Wednesday, and officials said the blaze appeared to be linked to code violations.

A devastating fire in southern Kuwait has claimed the lives of at least 41 people, according to the country's deputy prime minister. The blaze broke out early in the morning in an apartment building housing workers in the city of Mangaf and was reported around 6 a.m. local time.

Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad attributed the fire to safety violations, criticizing the building owner for the tragedy. "Unfortunately, the greed of real estate owners is what leads to these matters," he stated. Sheikh Fahad ordered the arrest of the building owner during his visit to the site.

Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad al-Yousuf al-Sabah speaks with police officers at the site

The state-run news agency KUNA reported that another 15 people were injured in the fire, which has since been brought under control. Major General Eid Rashed Hamad confirmed that while dozens of residents were rescued, many succumbed to smoke inhalation.

A senior police commander emphasized that Kuwaiti authorities consistently warn against overcrowding workers in housing accommodations, highlighting the risks of such practices.

Rescuers arrive at the site of a building that caught fire in Kuwait early Wednesday morning