In Southern Kuwait, a devastating fire has claimed the lives of at least 41 workers in an apartment building located in the city of Mangaf. The blaze was first reported around 6 a.m. local time, according to Sky News.

First responders from the Kuwaiti fire department acted quickly to bring the fire under control. Despite their efforts, the incident resulted in many fatalities, primarily due to smoke inhalation. Additionally, another 15 people were injured, with some reported to be in critical condition.

Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad has placed the blame squarely on the building's owner, citing safety violations as well as greed. Consequently, Sheikh Fahad has ordered the arrest of the owner.

Authorities are now investigating the cause of the fire to understand what led to such a catastrophic event. Preliminary reports suggest potential safety violations within the building, exacerbated by the overcrowding of workers. The Kuwaiti police frequently issue warnings against the dangerous practice of overcrowding workers into inadequate housing accommodations.

Despite the quick response by Kuwaiti firefighters, dozens of residents had to be rescued from the building. While the majority of the deaths were attributed to smoke inhalation, the rapid spread of the flames also contributed to the high casualty count.

This incident has highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building safety regulations and measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The Kuwaiti government faces mounting pressure to address these issues to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

For further details on this developing story, refer to the full reports on Sky News and Fox News.