Dozens dead in fire that ravages residential block in Kuwait

At least 35 people were killed in a fire in a residential building in the Kuwaiti city of Mangaf, the Interior Ministry said.

Video shared on social media showed flames engulfing the lower part of the building and thick black smoke billowing from the upper floors.

At least 15 other people were injured and taken to hospitals, authorities said. Most of the victims are believed to be foreign workers who lived there.

A Home Office spokesperson said the fire was now under control and rescue efforts were continuing.

Major General Eid al-Oweihan told state television that the fire was reported at 6 a.m. local time (0300 GMT) on Wednesday.

Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf al-Sabah accused the property owners of violations and “greed” during his visit to the site, according to the Reuters news agency.

Local media suggested the building may have been overcrowded.

A senior police officer told national television there were a “large number” of people in the building at the time of the fire.

“Dozens of people were rescued, but unfortunately there were many deaths due to smoke inhalation from the fire,” he said, adding that warnings were often issued about overcrowding in this type of accommodation.

No details have been given so far on the workers' countries of origin or the nature of their employment.