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Fire in Kuwaiti building housing workers kills 35

By AAP Newswire

Jun 12, 2024

Building fire in Kuwait — At least 35 people are dead and dozens have been injured after a fire at a building in Kuwait. -EPA

A fire has broken out in a building housing workers in the city of Mangaf in southern Kuwait, killing at least 35 people, state media reports.

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The incident was reported to authorities at 6am (0300 GMT) Wednesday local time, Major General Eid Rashed Hamad said.

"The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there was a large number of workers there," another senior police commander told state TV.

"Dozens were rescued but unfortunately there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire.

"We always alert and warn against" cramming too many workers into housing accommodation, he said, without providing details on the workers' type of employment or place of origin.

The Kuwaiti health ministry said four of the 43 people taken to hospital due to the fire had died.

It was not clear if the four fatalities were in addition to the 35 reported by police.

The authorities said they had contained the fire and were investigating the cause.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press