A fire in a six-storey building housing workers in Mangaf city, Kuwait, resulted in the deaths of 49 people, including 40 Indians, and left 50 injured, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The fire broke out at 6 am local time in the building’s kitchen, which housed nearly 195 workers from the same company.

Most fatalities were caused by smoke inhalation while residents were sleeping.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level review meeting and announced ₹2 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased, extending condolences and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah has ordered an investigation and promised accountability, NDTV has reported.

The Kuwait Times reported that First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah has ordered the arrest of the building’s owner, janitor, and the company owner responsible for the workers.

Written by B.C. Begley