Nepali death toll in Kuwait toxic alcohol tragedy rises to 12

KUWAIT CITY, AUGUST 16: The death toll of Nepali migrant workers in Kuwait from drinking methanol-tainted alcohol has risen to 12, according to the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Foreign Branch Kuwait.

In a statement signed by chairperson Ekraj Malla and secretary Angkaji Sherpa, FNJ Kuwait said more than 160 people are currently receiving treatment in intensive care units of local hospitals.

The Nepali Embassy in Kuwait, however, has not confirmed the exact death toll. Embassy officials said that 35 Nepalis have been admitted to hospitals after consuming the toxic drink, with several of them in serious condition.

Local Kuwaiti media reported that more than 160 people have been hospitalized so far and at least 23 deaths have been recorded. It is not yet clear which nationalities make up the total fatalities, but many of the victims are migrant workers from Asian countries, including Nepal.

Alcohol production, sale, and transport are strictly banned in Kuwait under local law. Despite this, many migrant workers are believed to have consumed illegally traded alcohol, which in this case was found to be mixed with methanol, a highly flammable and poisonous substance.

The Nepali Embassy said its staff have visited hospitals to gather information on Nepali patients and are in contact with Kuwait’s Ministry of Health to ensure proper treatment.

Kuwait is home to more than 160,000 Nepali migrant workers, and this latest tragedy has once again highlighted the risks they face while working abroad.