Women and children Kuwaiti wedding inferno

The Kuwaiti wedding tent that became an inferno killing 35 women and six children had only one exit, which led to a crush compounding the death toll, a senior fire authority has revealed. Most of the victims were found trapped near the door as they tried to escape.

The blaze consumed the tent in just three minutes and left many of the victims unrecognisable. An investigation into the cause is underway, with theories ranging from faulty wiring, kitchen equipment or coals used for burning incense. Weddings in Kuwait are segregated occasions with the children attending the celebration with the women. Kuwaiti Fire Chief Jassem al-Mansouri said: “The tent had only one exit, which caused a stampede when the fire broke out leading to the death of many of the victims. These tents are made without thought to safety.” More than 76 others are being treated for burns. Kuwait has now banned the use of such tents, which have space for some 200 people.More about: Accident, Fires, Kuwait

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