13 Dead, 21 Blinded After Consuming Toxic Alcohol in Kuwait

Toxic Methanol in Illegal Liquor Kills 13 in Kuwait, Victims Mostly Migrant Workers

Kuwait's Health Ministry Confirms Methanol Poisoning as Death Toll Rises to 13

At least 13 people have died and 21 have been blinded after consuming poisonous alcohol in the Gulf state of Kuwait. According to reports, more than 63 individuals are in critical condition.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health confirmed the deaths and stated that over 63 people are in critical condition, with 31 having been placed on ventilators. The ministry's statement revealed that the toxic alcohol was found to contain methanol, an extremely dangerous chemical. Health experts note that methanol is a deadly poison that directly attacks the liver, brain, and optic nerves, with its first major effect being the loss or weakening of eyesight.

The majority of the victims are migrant workers from South Asia who are employed in construction, domestic, and commercial services in Kuwait. It is worth noting that Kuwait has had a complete ban on the import of alcohol since 1964, and drinking was criminalized in the 1980s. Despite these strict prohibitions, the secret sale of illegally produced alcohol remains a persistent issue, often affecting poor expatriates.