3 OFWs confirmed dead in Kuwait building fire

MANILA, Philippines — Three Kuwait-based Filipinos died following a fire that broke out in a heavily populated residential building south of Kuwait City, Migrant Workers Chief Hans Cacdac confirmed on Thursday.

“The three, who died from smoke inhalation, were part of a group of 11 OFWs, all working for the same Kuwaiti construction company housed in the building that caught fire,” said Cacdac in a statement.

“Two other OFWs remain in the hospital and are in critical condition, while the remaining six are all safe and unharmed,” he said.

READ: Kuwait building fire: 2 OFWs in critical condition

Cacdac said they are in touch with the families of all affected OFWs, including the families of those two in critical condition and the families of the three fatalities.

We will provide all the necessary assistance and support to the OFWs and their families in this difficult time as directed by the President,” said Cacdac.

READ: More than 35 dead, dozens injured in Kuwait building fire

Citing data from Kuwaiti authorities, the Department of Migrant Workers said the fire started at about 4:30 a.m. on June 12 in a building located in al-Mangaf, a coastal city south of Kuwait City, that served as a housing and dormitory facility for foreign workers employed by a Kuwaiti construction company.

A total of 49 people were killed in the fire.