KUWAIT CITY: The disgruntled former wife of a Kuwaiti bridegroom has reportedly confessed to starting the fire which charred at least 43 women and children at a wedding tent.

The woman, who is the ex-wife of the bridegroom, was arrested after some maids claimed that they saw her setting the tent on fire with some kerosene-soaked rags, Kuwaiti News channel reported on Monday.

The 23-year-old suspect was reportedly taking revenge on her former husband for the ill-treatment he melted out to her during their marriage.

Meanwhile, the bride escaped unhurt but her mother and sister were killed in the devastating blaze which also claimed the lives of 43 women and three children in just three minutes while injuring 90 others, the newspaper said.

The fire broke out on Saturday in a tent reserved for women at a wedding ceremony in Jahra north of Kuwait City.