VOIWORLD
A major case of methanol poisoning from illicit alcohol in Kuwait has left 13 people dead and 21 others permanently blind or with impaired vision, according to the country’s health ministry. Reports from Reuters and AFP said that at least 63 individuals, mostly from Asian nationalities, were hospitalised since Saturday after consuming tainted liquor.
The Embassy of India in Kuwait confirmed on August 13 that around 40 Indian nationals are among those hospitalised
Of those admitted, 51 required urgent kidney dialysis, while 31 were placed on mechanical ventilation.
. “There have been some fatalities, some are in critical condition while others are recovering,” the embassy said in a statement on X, adding that it is in touch with local authorities for further details.
Although Kuwait has not released official details on the victims’ nationalities, unconfirmed reports suggest that some of the deceased may be Malayalis and Tamilians, alongside Nepalese citizens.
Alcohol consumption has been banned in Kuwait since 1964, with stricter criminalisation introduced in the 1980s. Despite this, clandestine brewing and smuggling continue, often in unsafe conditions, leading to frequent cases of methanol contamination.
The Indian Ambassador and embassy officials have visited government hospitals to assess patients’ condition
