A devastating building fire in the Al-Reggai area early Sunday morning has claimed the lives of six individuals, while five others remain in critical condition. An additional 15 residents suffered varying degrees of burns, from moderate to severe. According to the Kuwait Fire Force, emergency teams were able to contain the fire and prevent further escalation.

Firefighting units from Shuwaikh Industrial and Ardiya Centers, supported by Search and Rescue teams, responded swiftly to the emergency. The fire reportedly broke out in two apartments within the building. Despite the prompt intervention, three charred bodies were recovered, and others were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Some residents were forced to leap from the building’s upper floors to escape the flames, drawing comparisons to the recent Mangaf fire tragedy.

Authorities are actively investigating the cause and circumstances of the fire. Brigadier General Mohammed Al-Gharib, Director of Public Relations at the Kuwait Fire Force, confirmed the rising death toll and linked the incident to unsafe expat bachelor accommodations, which failed to meet basic fire safety regulations.

In light of the incident, the Public Relations and Media Department of the Kuwait Fire Force has issued a strong advisory, urging property owners to:

• Adhere strictly to fire safety standards.
• Ensure external walkways and emergency exits remain unobstructed.
• Avoid renting properties in violation of zoning laws or safety codes, especially to large groups of expatriate bachelors.

Similar warnings were issued after the Mangaf residential fire that also led to multiple fatalities.

The latest tragedy raises urgent questions about the prevalence of unsafe housing and the enforcement of building safety laws in Kuwait. Experts have stressed the need for:

• Regular inspections of rental properties.
• Stricter penalties for non-compliance with fire codes.
• Public awareness campaigns on fire safety and evacuation procedures.