The blaze erupted in the heavily populated Mangaf district, an area known for its large foreign worker community. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad al-Yousuf al-Sabah visited the site and ordered the arrest of the building's owner. He blamed the tragedy on "the greed of real estate owners" who overcrowd housing for workers.

Authorities said they were able to contain the fire and are currently investigating the cause. A senior police commander told state TV that the high number of casualties was likely due to smoke inhalation caused by the large number of occupants in the building.

The incident has renewed concerns about safety standards in worker housing in Kuwait. (ILKHA)