19 dead after consuming toxic liquor in Morocco, several hospitalised

At least 19 people lost their lives and dozens of others were hospitalised after consuming toxic alcohol in northern Morocco from a roadside kiosk , local media reported Wednesday. A 48-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident, the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN) said in a statement.

Around 30 people were taken to the hospital in critical condition, with two still in intensive care. Victims suffered from headaches, vomiting and stomach cramps, a nurse at a hospital in Ksar El Kebir told media.

The victims reportedly consumed the toxic alcohol in the suspect's store, where investigators later found nearly 50 litres of the liquid, media reports said. The hospital had received the bodies of nine victims on Tuesday, and the death toll rose to 19 on Wednesday, a local health ministry official told reporters.

Moroccan law prohibits the sale of alcohol to Muslims, but it is easily found in bars, restaurants and stores that discreetly offer it for sale behind opaque windows or thick curtains.

In July 2021, at least 20 people died in a similar incident in Oujda, eastern Morocco.

(With inputs from agencies)