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đź“ŤGeneva, Switzerland
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Forensic Investigations and Toxicology Report Confirm Carbon Monoxide Poisoning as the Primary Cause of Death
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On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, the official authorities in San Pedro, Belize, released an official report confirming the deaths of three American women of Moroccan descent Kaoutar Naqqad (23), Imane Mallah (24), and Wafae El arar (26). The women were found deceased at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro due to acute carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to the toxicology analysis, which was officially disclosed yesterday, the cause of death was confirmed to be fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. The forensic report further revealed that after the victims’ bodies were discovered on February 22, their blood saturation levels of carbon monoxide exceeded 60%—a dangerously high level, far surpassing the fatal threshold of 40%. This indicates that they were exposed to lethal concentrations of the toxic gas in their room.
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Faulty Water Heater Identified as the Source
Initial investigations indicated that the water heater in their accommodation was malfunctioning, leading to excessive carbon monoxide emissions into the room. This resulted in the buildup of deadly gas levels. The incident highlights the grave risks associated with negligence in maintaining appliances that could pose a serious threat to human life.
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Authorities Confirm Findings and Ongoing Investigations
In a joint press conference held via Zoom with the National Forensic Authority, Belize Police Commissioner William Chester confirmed that the toxicology report conclusively established carbon monoxide poisoning as the primary cause of death. As part of the ongoing investigation, blood and tissue samples were sent to the United States for further analysis. Authorities are working to uncover all details surrounding the incident, including the precise cause of the water heater malfunction.
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Strengthening Safety Standards
Belizean laws require tourism establishments to adhere to basic safety standards to ensure the well-being of visitors. This tragedy has reignited discussions on the necessity of strengthening safety regulations in hotels and resorts, particularly regarding the maintenance and inspection of hazardous appliances such as water heaters and heating systems. If negligence is found, Royal Kahal Beach Resort may face fines or legal action for failing to comply with safety regulations.
Local authorities also hope this incident will raise awareness about the importance of ensuring a safe tourism environment through stricter oversight and training staff to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning incidents.
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International Legal Implications
Further meetings between Belizean and U.S. authorities are expected as communication continues with the victims’ families. Legal responsibility for the resort is under scrutiny, and the possibility of lawsuits from the families against the resort owners is being considered, particularly if evidence of negligence is confirmed.
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Conclusion
This tragic incident underscores the critical need for strict adherence to safety standards and increased oversight in tourism establishments. It also highlights the importance of reinforcing regulations that protect visitors’ lives and impose severe penalties on any negligence that could lead to such devastating events.
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Today, now that the truth has come to light, we demand the authorities of Belize to:
- Issue an official apology to the pure souls of Kawtar, Iman, and Wafa, who were denied justice even after their passing.
- Apologize to the victims’ families, who endured pain and defamation despite their tragic loss.
- Apologize to the Moroccan and American people for the false accusations made against the girls, with no respect for the sanctity of death.
- Follow legal and civilized procedures to ensure justice is served and hold those responsible for both the deaths and the unjust accusations accountable.
Justice is not a choice; it is a right that does not expire.
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Part Ten
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