THREE Filipino workers died in a fire that engulfed a building in Mangaf, Kuwait, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed Thursday.

"The unfortunate news is that the three are identified as fatalities in a hospital in Kuwait, so they are in touch with the families of all affected OFWs (overseas Filipino workers), including those in the ICU (intensive care unit) and the three fatalities," he said.

The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry said 49 people were killed in the blaze that started at 4:30 a.m. (Kuwait time; 9:30 a.m. Philippine time), with scores injured, based on data available Wednesday night. Most of the fatalities were Indian.

Before the deaths were confirmed, the DMW said 11 Filipinos were affected by the fire that hit the apartment building where 195 people lived, all workers of the same company.

Three of the Filipinos are now safe, while three others are being treated in the hospital for injuries, with two of them in intensive care, the DMW said.

The other five Filipinos were "still pending confirmation from hospital authorities" in Kuwait.

Kuwaiti authorities said the fire began in a kitchen in the six-story building and quickly spread to the apartment.

Kuwait's Interior Ministry said victims died due to smoke inhalation while residents were sleeping.

Local news reports said the Mangaf building fire was the worst building fire in Kuwait's history.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and to hold accountable all those responsible.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio instructed the welfare office in Kuwait to attend to the immediate needs of the victims.

"The OWWA staff in Kuwait are looking into the condition of the three Filipinos in the hospital so that the victims can immediately be given the necessary assistance. OWWA has also spoken to the three Filipinos' relatives here in the Philippines to ensure that their needs are met during this time," Ignacio said in Filipino.