Eight remain in custody as Mangaf fire investigation continues
Eight defendants connected to the devastating Mangaf fire will remain in custody for another two weeks. The judge overseeing detention renewals made this decision, marking the second time their detention has been extended.
The detainees include one Kuwaiti citizen, three Indian nationals, and four individuals from Egypt. They face serious charges related to the fire, including manslaughter, negligent injury, and negligence itself.
According to Al-Qabas newspaper, all eight defendants have denied these charges and requested their release. However, the court has rejected their pleas and opted to continue their detention.
The Mangaf fire, a tragedy that unfolded on June 12, 2024, resulted in the deaths of 49 people. 46 of the victims were from India and 3 were from the Philippines.
In a statement following the preliminary investigation of Mangaf building, the head of Investigations at the Kuwait Fire Department Col. Sayed Al-Mousawi said that the team investigating the causes of the fire found inflammable material was used in partition walls between apartments and also between rooms. This he said caused the fire to spread rapidly and resulted in huge black clouds of smoke.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah had ordered a swift probe and accountability in the Mangaf fire to prevent future tragedies.
