KUWAIT CITY( The COW News Digital) At least 13 people have died and dozens more are in critical condition in Kuwait after consuming toxic alcohol, the Ministry of Health confirmed on Thursday. The incident, which has shocked the Gulf state, has left 21 victims permanently blind and many others battling for their lives.
According to health authorities, more than 63 people have been admitted to hospitals across the country with symptoms of methanol poisoning, a highly dangerous chemical often found in illicitly produced liquor. Of those hospitalized, 31 are on ventilators due to severe respiratory distress.
“Methanol poisoning attacks the optic nerve first, leading to partial or complete blindness, and can also cause organ failure and death,” the Ministry of Health said in its statement.
The victims are predominantly expatriate workers from South Asia, employed in Kuwait’s construction, domestic, and service sectors. Officials say the contaminated alcohol was likely distributed through underground networks, as the country enforces strict bans on alcohol production, import, and consumption.
Kuwait has prohibited alcohol imports since 1964, and in the 1980s, it criminalized alcohol consumption altogether. Violations are punishable by imprisonment, hefty fines, and deportation for foreign nationals. Despite these measures, illegal brewing and smuggling operations have persisted, often targeting low-income expatriates seeking cheaper alternatives.
Police have launched an urgent investigation to trace the source of the toxic liquor, with raids already underway in several suspected brewing locations. Authorities have also appealed to the public to report any information related to the illicit distribution of alcohol.
Public health experts warn that methanol-laced alcohol is a recurring danger in countries with strict bans, as bootleg liquor makers often use industrial chemicals in the brewing process, leading to fatal consequences.
“This is a tragic and preventable incident,” said one senior emergency physician at a Kuwait City hospital. “We are urging people to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness, vomiting, or difficulty breathing after consuming alcohol.”
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that hospitals are on high alert, with medical teams working round-the-clock to treat the victims. International organizations have also been informed, given the large number of foreign workers affected.
