Two British Tourists Die and Holidaymakers Are Hospitalised Following Suspected Carbon Monoxide Outbreak at Moroccan Hotel

Reports state that two British nationals were found dead in their Agadir hotel room on 2 November, and additionally three French guests were reported to have been hospitalised in a critical condition. 

The precise cause of the deaths and illnesses has not yet been officially established. While initial reports raised the possibility of food poisoning or a gas leak, subsequent reports have suggested a possible carbon monoxide leak connected to the hotel's air-conditioning and cooling systems, although published autopsy findings confirming the cause have not been reported. 

Investigation Under Way Following Deaths of British Holidaymakers

Moroccan authorities are understood to have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to press reports, police forensic teams have examined the hotel room where the British tourists were found and collected evidence and samples. The bodies were subsequently transferred to a mortuary for post-mortem examinations ordered by the public prosecutor. 

Investigators are also reported to have examined other parts of the hotel, including the kitchens, roof and other facilities, as they seek to establish the cause of the illnesses and deaths.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed that it is aware of the deaths of two British nationals in Morocco and is providing consular assistance to their relatives.

The impact on families affected

These reports emerging from Agadir are extremely concerning and, first and foremost, our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have sadly died, as well as those who have reportedly required hospital treatment.

Understandably, those affected and their families will have a number of questions about what happened and whether anything could have been done to prevent it.

At this stage there appear to be a number of reports about the possible cause of the incident. While carbon monoxide has been suggested, it is important not to speculate and to allow the Moroccan authorities to complete a thorough investigation.

That investigation should consider the circumstances surrounding the deaths and illnesses, the condition and maintenance of any relevant equipment or systems at the hotel, and whether appropriate safety procedures and checks were in place.

Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because it is colourless and odourless. Exposure can cause symptoms which may initially be mistaken for other illnesses, including headaches, dizziness, nausea and weakness. Significant exposure can have extremely serious consequences.

If other guests staying at the hotel experienced similar unexplained symptoms, we would encourage them to seek appropriate medical advice and to retain any information relating to their holiday, including booking documentation and details of any medical treatment received.

It is vital that the investigation establishes the cause of this tragic incident so that the families affected can be provided with the answers they deserve and, where appropriate, lessons can be learned to reduce the risk of anything similar happening again.

Exposure to this Silent Killer can be Devastating 

At Irwin Mitchell, we have extensive experience of supporting individuals and families affected by carbon monoxide poisoning, both in the UK and overseas. 

Our international serious injury team represented the family of John Cooper and Susan Cooper, who tragically died while staying at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel in Hurghada, Egypt, in August 2018. 

Following a lengthy investigation, an inquest in 2023 concluded that the couple died after pesticide containing dichloromethane was sprayed in the adjoining hotel room, with the resulting vapour leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Read more about the Cooper case and our carbon monoxide safety advice.