13 Dead, 21 Blind After Drinking Tainted Alcohol in Kuwait; Indians Among Victims

On August 13, 2025, Kuwait’s Ministry of Health reported a tragic incident of methanol poisoning from contaminated alcohol, resulting in 13 deaths and 21 cases of blindness or severe vision impairment. Among the 63 affected individuals, all of Asian nationalities, approximately 40 were Indian nationals, highlighting the significant impact on Kuwait’s expatriate community. This blog explores the details of the tragedy, its causes, the response from authorities, and the broader context of illicit alcohol in Kuwait, drawing on reports from Reuters, The Indian Express, and other credible sources.

The Tragedy: A Deadly Wave of Poisoning

Since Saturday, August 9, 2025, Kuwaiti hospitals have treated 63 cases of methanol poisoning linked to illicit alcohol consumption. The health ministry detailed the severity of the outbreak: 51 patients required urgent kidney dialysis, 31 needed mechanical ventilation, and 21 suffered permanent blindness or significant vision loss. The 13 fatalities underscored the lethal nature of methanol, a toxic industrial alcohol often used in illegal brews to cut costs or boost potency. Methanol, unlike ethanol, can cause organ failure, blindness, or death even in small quantities, making it a deadly contaminant in unregulated alcohol.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait confirmed on August 13 that around 40 Indian nationals were among those hospitalized. In a statement posted on X, the embassy noted, “There have been some fatalities, some are in a critical condition while others are recovering.” Unverified reports suggest the victims included Malayalis and Tamilians from India, as well as Nepali nationals, though Kuwaiti authorities have not officially disclosed the nationalities of the deceased.

Context: Kuwait’s Alcohol Ban and Illicit Trade

Kuwait, an Islamic country, has enforced a strict ban on alcohol imports since 1964, with consumption criminalized in the 1980s. Penalties for possession, trade, or consumption are severe, including fines and up to seven years in prison. Despite these restrictions, an underground market for illicit alcohol thrives, driven by demand from the country’s large expatriate workforce, which includes workers from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka in sectors like construction, domestic service, and retail. These communities, often unable to access legal alcohol, turn to unregulated brews produced in hidden facilities lacking safety oversight.

Such illicit production frequently involves methanol, a cheaper and highly toxic substitute for ethanol. The absence of regulation in these secret setups increases the risk of contamination, as seen in this tragedy. Reuters reported that the lack of safety standards in these operations makes consumers vulnerable to poisoning, a recurring issue in countries with strict alcohol bans.

The Victims: Expatriates at Risk

Kuwait hosts a significant expatriate population, with Indians forming the largest community. Many of the affected individuals were likely low-wage workers, a demographic often associated with illicit alcohol consumption due to limited access to legal alternatives. The Indian Embassy’s statement highlighted ongoing efforts to liaise with Kuwaiti authorities for further details and support, including a helpline (+965-65501587) for relatives of the victims. Unconfirmed reports from sources like IndiansinKuwait.com suggested that 10 of the deceased were Indian, with two from Nepal, though these figures await official confirmation.

The health ministry’s response involved coordination between hospitals, the Kuwait Poison Control Center, and security agencies to manage the crisis. The ministry urged the public to report suspected poisoning cases immediately via hospitals or emergency hotlines, emphasizing 24-hour monitoring to ensure timely care.

Investigations and Crackdowns

Kuwaiti authorities have launched an investigation to trace the source of the tainted alcohol and identify those responsible for its distribution. While no arrests have been reported in connection with this specific incident, Kuwait has a history of cracking down on illegal alcohol and drug trafficking. For instance, the Criminal Security Sector recently dismantled a four-member gang involved in smuggling liquor and psychotropic substances, indicating ongoing efforts to curb illicit trade.

The health ministry’s statement on X underscored the scale of the crisis and the need for public vigilance. Authorities have warned against consuming unregulated alcoholic drinks, but the persistence of the black market highlights the challenges of enforcing the ban in a country with a diverse expatriate population.

Broader Implications: A Call for Awareness

This tragedy is not an isolated incident. Similar methanol poisoning cases have occurred in other regions with strict alcohol prohibitions, such as Jordan, where seven died from tainted alcohol in 2025, and India, where 21 fatalities were reported in a separate incident. These cases highlight the dangers of illicit alcohol in unregulated markets, where profit-driven producers prioritize cost over safety.

For Kuwait’s expatriate communities, the incident underscores the risks of consuming homemade or black-market alcohol. Social media reactions on X reflected mixed sentiments, with some users like @zafar condemning alcohol consumption in an Islamic country, stating, “They dig their own grave,” while others emphasized the need for better regulation and awareness to protect vulnerable workers.

Moving Forward: Lessons and Responses

The Indian Embassy’s proactive response, including setting up a helpline, demonstrates the importance of supporting expatriate communities during crises. However, the incident raises broader questions about addressing the root causes of illicit alcohol consumption. Strengthening enforcement against illegal breweries, raising awareness about methanol’s dangers, and exploring harm reduction strategies could help prevent future tragedies.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and ensuring justice for the victims. The Kuwaiti government’s commitment to 24-hour monitoring and coordination with security agencies signals a robust response, but the challenge of dismantling the illicit alcohol trade persists.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of unregulated markets and the need for systemic solutions to protect vulnerable populations. The loss of 13 lives and the irreversible harm to 21 others underscore the urgency of addressing this issue in Kuwait and beyond.

Sources: The Indian Express, Outlook India, Reuters, AFP, IndiansinKuwait.com, The Straits Times, Gulf News