Fire in Kuwait kills 3 OFWs, injures 5 critically, DMW coordinates repatriation

At least three overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) died and five others were hospitalized, two critically, after a fire broke out at a building housing foreign workers in Mangaf, Kuwait on Wednesday, June 12.

The victims suffered from smoke inhalation; the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed Thursday that six OFWs remain safe and unharmed.

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac instructed local offices to coordinate with the Philippine embassy for repatriating the remains and providing support to families, as directed by the President.

Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah attributed the incident to real estate owner greed, highlighting poor living conditions for low-paid workers in the Gulf.

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the fire and vowed accountability for any responsible officials; the fire started at around 4:30 a.m. on June 12, affecting at least 75 people in total.