A fire in southern Kuwait has killed at least 41 people, according to the country’s deputy prime minister.

The blaze started in an apartment building housing workers in the city of Mangaf and was reported at around 6am (3am in the UK), Major General Eid Rashed Hamad said.

Deputy prime minister Sheikh Fahad blamed the building’s owner for the blaze, saying safety violations appeared to be contributing factors.

“Unfortunately, the greed of real estate owners is what leads to these matters,” he said.

He also ordered the arrest of the owner during a visit to the site.

State-run news agency KUNA said another 15 people were injured in the fire, and it had been brought under control.

Another senior police commander said while dozens of residents were rescued, “unfortunately there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire”.

Read more on Sky News:
Pope ‘repeats homophobic slur’
Kuwait’s leader dies aged 86
Musk faces new insider dealing claim

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

He added Kuwait police “always alert and warn against” cramming too many workers into housing accommodation..

Related posts:

At least 33 dead and more than 70 missing after severe floods in Germany and Belgium ‘Queen of the Channel’: Marathon swimmer makes history with 44th gruelling UK-France crossing Man kills five with bow and arrows in Norway before ‘confrontation’ with police Kenyan athletics star’s husband a ‘suspect’ after runner found stabbed to death at home Landslide kills at least 14 and leaves 30 missing, as heavy rains continue in India Oil tanker owned by Israeli billionaire ‘struck by drone’ off coast of Oman People across Europe to miss bill payments amid rising inflation – how does the UK compare? Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al Fitr after month of fasting for Ramadan UK suspends trade of live cattle and sheep from France after outbreak of fatal disease Italy drops football players from national squad after ‘betting probe’ Australians divided over ‘voice’ to parliament for Indigenous people Jimmy Anderson becomes first fast bowler to take 700 wickets