Kuwait: On Wednesday, a devastating fire engulfed a seven-storey building in Mangaf, Kuwait, where 196 migrant workers were residing. Among the 49 victims was Lukose, a Kerala native who had been working in Kuwait for 18 years. Lukose had recently purchased a mobile phone for his elder daughter, who had excelled in her class 12 board exams, intending to bring it home next month during his visit to arrange her admission to a nursing course in Bengaluru.

The tragedy unfolded when Lukose’s family received unconfirmed reports about the fire in his building. A relative recounted that Lukose’s friends had informed them about the incident, mentioning that Lukose had briefly spoken to a church pastor before the call was abruptly disconnected. Despite attempts to reach him, there was no response.

Initially, there was hope that Lukose might have survived. However, subsequent inquiries by friends and church members at the scene and local hospitals confirmed the worst. His death was officially confirmed by the police later that evening.

Lukose leaves behind a 93-year-old father, an 88-year-old mother, his wife, and two daughters. His elder daughter, who had achieved outstanding academic results, was eagerly awaiting her father’s return and the new phone he had bought for her.

The fire, which reportedly started in a kitchen, resulted in most casualties due to smoke inhalation. The building, rented by the construction firm NBTC Group, housed over 195 workers, predominantly from Indian states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and northern regions.