At least three overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were injured in a fire that broke out in a building in Mangaf, Kuwait, on Wednesday, June 12, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
As of 6:35 am on Thursday, June 13, the DMW reported that the injured OFWs are currently recovering in the hospital, with two in intensive care.
The three injured workers were among 11 OFWs affected by the blaze in the building that housed foreign workers. Of the remaining workers, three have been reported safe, while the status of the other five is still unknown.
DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac has directed the Migrant Workers Office in Kuwait to maintain communication with hospital authorities to ascertain the status of the unaccounted OFWs. Additionally, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration office in Kuwait has been tasked with assisting the six workers with their immediate needs.
“MWO-Kuwait, in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, will continue monitoring the situation and updating the DMW Head Office as necessary,” the DMW said.
The fire in the Mangaf building has claimed at least 49 lives, with many victims succumbing to smoke inhalation. Rescue efforts have saved dozens of individuals.
Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah visited the site and commented, “The greed of real estate owners is what leads to these matters,” highlighting concerns about overcrowded living conditions for low-paid, blue-collar workers in the Gulf. It remains unclear if any violations contributed to the incident.