We are taking responsibility for Kuwait fire tragedy, says NBTC's KG Abraham

Kochi: K G Abraham, the Managing Director of Kuwait-based NBTC Group, has said that his company is taking full responsibility for the fire tragedy that killed 50 people, including 46 Indians, in Kuwait. 

The victims were employees of a firm under the NBTC Group. They perished in the devastating blaze at a seven-storey building in Mangaf on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters in Kochi, Abraham made it clear that his firm was accepting responsibility for the tragedy. He also revealed that the accident was caused by a short circuit at the building, which was owned by NBTC. 

"Thorough inspections were regularly conducted in the camps. The building was fully air-conditioned, and tenants were treated equally without discrimination. We consider the workers to be part of our own family. All employees are covered by a life insurance policy," he said. 

"We do not believe the accident was caused by any fault on the part of the company. However, we take full responsibility for this tragedy. We are committed to shouldering our responsibility and ensuring that those affected receive the support they need. My children are personally visiting families of those deceased not only in Kerala, but also in Chennai, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. We are providing financial security and all necessary support to these families. Additionally, we are offering job opportunities to the affected families. Our company remains dedicated to assisting in any way we can," he stated. 

"The accident happened in a leased building. So far, there is no case against the company. Cooking food inside the rooms is strictly prohibited. The company operates a kitchen with 60-70 staff members, preparing meals as per their menu and is served at a common dining hall in the buildings," he claimed. 

"The news that the gas cylinder exploded is baseless. This is not mentioned in the report. We are providing the building free of cost to the workers. It was learned that 80-90 people were in the building at the time of the accident. 40 people are currently hospitalized," he added.

He also acknowledged the swift intervention of the Kuwaiti Government, Indian Embassy, and Central Government on the matter, adding that it helped in the timely repatriation of the victims' bodies to their native places within 48 hours. He also revealed that he would personally meet the families of the victims.

"I learned about the incident while travelling from Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi. I cancelled the trip and returned to my residence in Thiruvalla, where I experienced discomfort due to high blood sugar and increased blood pressure. I sought treatment at a hospital," he added.