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13 dead, 21 blind after drinking tainted alcohol in Kuwait; Indians among victims

The Embassy of India in Kuwait, on August 13, confirmed that around 40 Indian nationals have been admitted to various hospitals in the last few days.

Kuwait has not officially disclosed the victims’ nationalities. (Photo: Freepik/ Representational)

A spate of methanol poisoning from contaminated alcohol in Kuwait has left 13 people dead and 21 others blind or with impaired vision, the country’s health ministry said. According to Reuters and AFP, 63 people, all from Asian nationalities, have been hospitalised since Saturday after consuming illicit liquor.

Of them, 51 required urgent kidney dialysis, while 31 needed mechanical ventilation.

The Embassy of India in Kuwait, on August 13, confirmed that around 40 Indian nationals have been admitted to various hospitals in recent days. “There have been some fatalities, some are in a critical condition while others are recovering,” the embassy said in a statement posted on X, adding that it is seeking further details from authorities.

🔔 Press Release pic.twitter.com/e9JSUf3iil

— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) August 13, 2025

Kuwait has not officially disclosed the victims’ nationalities, but unconfirmed reports suggest that some of the deceased may be Malayalis and Tamilians, along with nationals from Nepal.

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Kuwait has enforced a strict ban on alcohol imports since 1964, criminalising its consumption in the 1980s. Despite this, illicit alcohol is often brewed in secret facilities lacking any safety oversight, making drinkers vulnerable to methanol contamination, as per Reuters .

The Gulf state has a large expat workforce, including many from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, particularly in construction, domestic work, and retail.

(With inputs from Reuters, AFP)

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