KOLLAM: Just 17 days ago, Sajan George had relocated to Kuwait, hoping for improved prospects. An M-Tech graduate from Bishop Jerome College in Kollam, he had previously served as an assistant professor at Adoor Mount Engineering College for five years and briefly worked as a postmaster. It was during this period that he secured a position as a trainee mechanical engineer in Kuwait.
And on Wednesday, 29-year-old Sajan, son of George Pothen and Valsamma from Karvalloor in Kollam, tragically lost his life in a fire accident at a residential building in Al-Mangaf.
Sajan's family is still grappling with the enormity of their loss after they were informed of his demise on Wednesday evening.
Sajan's friends, who also reside in Kuwait, conveyed the heartbreaking news to his relatives. The family is currently coordinating with the authorities of NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs) and the Kuwait Embassy to expedite the repatriation of his body.
"Around Wednesday evening, one of Sajan's friends called and told us that his name was among the list of deceased Indians. Later, some other friends also shared the sad news with us. We are now in touch with officials from Norway and the Kuwait Embassy, hoping to bring his body home soon. The NORKA officials have assured us that the body will be repatriated within a day or two,” said Mathesh Vazhvila, a family friend.
So far, 26 people from Kerala have been identified among the nearly 50 Indian nationals who tragically lost their lives in Wednesday's fire accident.
Another native of Kollam, Lukos, also known as Sabu, from Adichanalloor village, was among those killed in the accident. Lukos had been working in Kuwait for the past 18 years. His family learned about his death when his friends in Kuwait reached out on Wednesday evening.
"We initially heard that Lukos was injured, but by Wednesday evening, we were informed of his death. His friend in Kuwait tried to contact him earlier in the day but later confirmed the tragic news. Now, we are making arrangements to bring his body home," said Aleyamma Johnson, a family friend of Lukos and ward member of Adichanalloor panchayat.
Lukos leaves behind his wife Shiny, his elder daughter Lydia, who recently completed her class 12, and his younger daughter Louise.
