The tragic fire incident in southern Kuwait, which claimed the lives of at least 49 foreign workers, has had a significant impact on many families, particularly in India. Among the victims was Dwarikesh Patnaik, a 52-year-old resident of Paschim Medinipur district in West Bengal. Patnaik had been working in Kuwait for the past 20 years and was expected to return home for the Jamaisathi puja but stayed back due to work commitments.
### Patnaik's Story
**Background:**
- **Name:** Dwarikesh Patnaik
- **Age:** 52
- **Residence:** Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal
- **Occupation:** Employee at a private firm in Kuwait
- **Years in Kuwait:** 20 years
- **Expected Return:** For Jamaisathi puja, but stayed due to work
**Events:**
- **Date of Incident:** Wednesday, June 12
- **Location:** Seven-storey building in Mangaf, Kuwait
- **Casualties:** At least 49 people were killed, including 45 Indians and 3 Filipinos
- **Injuries:** 50 others injured
**Communication Breakdown:**
- **Last Contact:** Patnaik usually called home by 8 am daily but missed the call on the day of the incident.
- **Discovery:** His wife Antara learned about the fire through a friend after failed attempts to reach him. Later, the company confirmed his death on Thursday.
**Family Response:**
- **Wife:** Antara Patnaik
- **Brother-in-law:** Sayantan Patnaik
- **Company Communication:** Initially informed that Patnaik was seriously ill; later confirmed his death.
- **Repatriation:** The family is waiting for information on when Patnaik's body will be sent to Kolkata airport.
### Incident Overview
**Details:**
- **Location:** Mangaf, a southern city in Kuwait
- **Victims:** 49 foreign workers killed, including:
 - 45 Indians: 23 from Kerala, 7 from Tamil Nadu
 - 3 Filipinos
 - Efforts to identify the remaining victim are ongoing
### Broader Impact
The incident underscores the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers living in congested accommodations and the emotional toll on families left behind. The Indian government, along with Kuwaiti authorities, is working to identify all victims and repatriate the bodies to their respective families.
### Official Response
**Authorities Involved:**
- **Indian Government:** Coordinating with Kuwaiti officials for the identification and repatriation of victims.
- **Kuwaiti Authorities:** Conducting investigations and identification processes.
**Current Status:**
- **Identification:** Bodies of 45 Indians and 3 Filipinos identified; one person still unidentified.
- **Repatriation:** Plans are underway for sending the bodies back to their home countries.
The tragic fire in Kuwait has not only resulted in a significant loss of life but also highlighted the precarious conditions under which many migrant workers live and work. The affected families, particularly in India, are now awaiting the return of their loved ones' bodies, while authorities continue their investigations and repatriation efforts.
