Three American women, identified as Kaoutar Naqqad, Imane Mallah, and Wafae El-Arar, tragically died from carbon monoxide poisoning while vacationing at a Belize resort, raising concerns over safety regulations.

The recent deaths of 23-year-old Kaoutar Naqqad, 24-year-old Imane Mallah, and 26-year-old Wafae El-Arar highlight critical safety issues in vacation accommodations, as preliminary investigations suggest that a faulty water heater may have caused a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide in their hotel room. The women, all from Revere, Massachusetts, were found unconscious on February 22, 2025, with toxicology reports revealing fatal carbon monoxide saturation levels and acute pulmonary edema, prompting calls for stricter safety measures in hospitality venues to prevent such tragedies.

The Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro, Belize, was the site of the tragic incident. The three women, identified as Kaoutar Naqqad (23), Imane Mallah (24), and Wafae El-Arar (26) from Revere, Massachusetts, were discovered unconscious in their hotel room by hotel staff after failing to check out. Authorities were alerted, and emergency responders pronounced them dead at the scene. Toxicology reports indicated a build-up of fluid in the lungs due to carbon monoxide exposure, and preliminary investigations suggested a faulty water heater in their hotel room might have been the source of the carbon monoxide.

Initial investigations into the circumstances surrounding their deaths have included focus on carbon monoxide exposure. Reports indicate that the women had carbon monoxide saturation levels of approximately 60%. This level is considered fatal and points to a significant source of the toxic gas within their accommodation.

In the wake of these deaths, Belize's authorities initiated a thorough investigation into both the hotel and the specific circumstances of the incident. Testing of the hotel room was conducted to measure carbon monoxide levels, which revealed no immediate signs in preliminary examinations. However, further assessments are expected as investigators delve deeper into safety protocols at the resort.

Toxicology reports have shown that the victims suffered from acute pulmonary edema, which is characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs and is often caused by poisoning. Corroborating evidence from toxicology analyses indicated that carbon monoxide was present in their system at life-threatening levels, leading to their unfortunate deaths.

Interesting to note, THC was detected in one of the items tested in the hotel room, yet no illicit substances were found in their bodies. This has sparked discussions about potential factors that could have contributed to the incident, although authorities have not drawn any conclusion directly linking drug use to the carbon monoxide exposure.

In light of this incident, safety regulations concerning carbon monoxide detection in hotels and other accommodations are likely to come under scrutiny. Experts have long warned about the dangers of carbon monoxide, which is odorless and can be difficult to detect without proper sensors in place. Victims of carbon monoxide poisoning often show no prior symptoms, complicating the identification of danger until it is too late.

Local authorities, alongside federal representatives, may consider reviewing existing safety standards to enhance protections for guests in hotels, especially those in tourist areas. This could involve mandatory installation of carbon monoxide detectors in all guest rooms to ensure early warning in case of excessive buildup of this toxic gas.

In the aftermath of the incident, advocates for travelers' safety are calling for reforms in hotel safety protocols globally. Many individuals rely on vacation accommodations that may not meet adequate safety standards, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and prevention measures to avert future tragedies.

As the investigation continues, family members and friends of the victims are mourning a profound loss. Support for the families will be necessary, as they process the unexpected death of their loved ones while also seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding this incident.

The case of Naqqad, Mallah, and El-Arar serves as a grave reminder of the potential hazards associated with travel and the vital importance of safety regulations in the hospitality industry. Authorities are expected to release further information as their investigation unfolds, shedding light on the measures necessary to ensure that such an event does not occur again.