Kochi: It is learned that the managing director of NBTC Group, where the victims of the Kuwait fire tragedy were employed, KG Abraham, is in Kerala. He, however, has not been asked to appear anywhere in connection with the investigation. 

Shibi Abraham, son of K G Abraham and NBTC deputy director, and Eappen, KGA Group director, told Mathrubhumi News that the chairman of the NBTC Group is an Arab as per the laws in Kuwait.

Both stated that the cause of the fire was a short circuit. The building had proper fire safety systems. Strict inspections were being carried out by the municipality. A small fire which broke out from a mobile charger in the security room ended up in the tragedy. As the inmates descended the stairs, they could not get out of the building as the fire engulfed the entire building from the bottom. They came to know only when they reached the smoke room. There was also a fire exit. But there was also smoke. The smoke reached all the rooms through the AC duct. Thus many inhaled Carbon Monoxide, they explained.

Both said that they are cooperating with the police, and added that they will cooperate with any investigation. Compensation will be provided, they said, adding that the insurance coverage will be provided quickly. 

The company executives were called by the authorities, and all are cooperating with the investigation and that no one has been arrested so far, both told Mathrubhumi News. 

It was at 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, when the Mangaf Block 4 caught fire killing 49 people, including 24 Malayalis. All the inmates were employees of NBTC Group owned by expatriate Malayali KG Abraham in Mangaf.