Authorities Search for Trapped Victims

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 21: The Kuwait Fire Service Directorate reported that a six-storey building in the Jabriya area collapsed during demolition, and a search is underway for anyone who may be trapped in the debris.

According to a statement from the Public Relations and Media Department of the Fire Force, firefighting teams rushed to the scene immediately after receiving the report, with the acting head of the force, Major General Khaled Abdullah, present at the site. Security and ambulance personnel are collaborating closely with firefighters, while sniffer dogs are being used to ensure that no one is trapped under the rubble.

Meanwhile, instructions have been issued to take legal action against those responsible for the negligence that led to the accident. Eng. Hamoud Al-Mutairi, Director of the Hawalli Governorate Municipality Branch, stated that the municipality had granted demolition permits to the site which had 4 buildings. During the demolition, conducted by a licensed contractor, part of the building collapsed in the wrong direction, affecting the adjacent building and spilling some rubble onto the street.

Al-Mutairi emphasized that this incident does not absolve the contracting company or the engineering office from responsibility. Measures will be taken against them, which may include penalties such as revoking their license or modifying their classification. Additionally, he noted that rubble from the incident landed on a car parked near the demolished property.

The incident was attributed to negligence on the part of the contractor overseeing the demolition process, who fled the site after the event. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far. Search teams are still conducting a thorough investigation of the area to ensure that no one has been harmed.

The Ministry of Interior has confirmed that the relevant authorities have initiated search and investigation efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the collapse. Once located, the individuals will be referred to the appropriate legal authorities for further action.