New Delhi/Kuwait City/IBNS: The bodies of Indians killed in the Kuwait fire are charred beyond recognition so DNA tests are underway for their identification, said Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh.

Singh, who is enroute to Kuwait, said the bodies of Indians killed will be brought back to the country by the Indian Air Force once they are identified.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "The situation is most of the victims are burnt and some of the bodies are charred beyond recognition so DNA test is underway to identify the victims. An air force plane is ready to bring back the bodies as soon as the bodies are identified."

"We had a meeting last evening with the Honourable Prime Minister and that's the last update we have about this very sad tragedy. The rest of the situation will be clear the moment we reach there," he added.

The junior External Affairs Minister said 42-43 Indians have been killed in the fire, which claimed about 48-49 lives.

The incident happened at 6 am local time (9 am IST) on Wednesday.

The fire started in a kitchen in the six-storey building which had 160 people living in it and some succumbed to death as they jumped off the fifth floor to escape, media reports said.

An inquiry has been initiated into the matter.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered condolences and said the Indian embassy is working with local authorities to assist the victims.

A high-level meeting was held at the Prime Minister's residence over the tragedy.

The Indian embassy in Kuwait has issued a helpline number and earlier said the fire accident involved some Indian workers and the embassy will give all possible assistance. The emergency helpline number is +965-65505246.

Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika met the injured admitted at various hospitals.

Kuwait's health ministry said the injured had been admitted to several hospitals; the majority were sent to Al-Adan, but some were also sent to Farwaniya Hospital, Al-Amiri, and Mubarak Hospital.