A special Indian Air Force aircraft carrying the mortal remains of 45 Indian victims of the tragic fire incident in Kuwait has landed at Cochin International Airport, Kochi.
Approximately 35 ambulances and an equal number of police vehicles lined up outside the import cargo terminal at Kochi International Airport in Nedumbassery. Family and friends gathered there, waiting to receive the mortal remains of those who perished in the recent building fire in Kuwait.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Viyajan along with cabinet members are present to receive the coffins. State ministers K Rajan, P Rajeeve, and Veena George were seen coordinating with officials, discussing the arrangements, and consoling the families. Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan and BJP state chief K Surendran also met with the grieving families.
Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh has worked closely with Kuwaiti authorities to ensure a smooth return process and accompanied the remains of the people who lost their lives in the tragic fire incident
“MoS @KVSinghMPGonda, who coordinated with Kuwaiti authorities ensuring swift repatriation, is onboard the aircraft,” the Indian embassy posted on X, formerly Twitter.
The incident has sent shockwaves through communities both in Kuwait and India.
Among the 45 Indians who lost their lives, 23 were residents of Kerala. At the same time, 7 others hailed from Tamil Nadi, 3 from Andhra Pradesh, 1 each from Bihar, Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Haryana, Punjab, and West Bengal.
Kuwaiti authorities are diligently investigating the cause of the fire and supporting the affected families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his deepest condolences and assured all possible assistance to those impacted by the tragedy.
Minister of State for External Affairs of India, Kirti Vardhan Singh, visited hospitals in Kuwait on June 13, where he interacted with Indian nationals undergoing treatment following the tragic fire incident in Mangaf. His visits underscored India’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its citizens abroad and highlighted the importance of international cooperation during times of crisis.