Philenews

Man Dies, Four Hospitalized After Substance Found in Water Cooler

Published January 7, 2026, 19:12
Man Dies, Four Hospitalized After Substance Found in Water Cooler

A 78-year-old man died at the Larnaca General Hospital after being found unconscious at his home. Simultaneously, his 72-year-old wife and three other individuals, aged 62, 77, and 81, became ill and were hospitalized in the same hospital. Authorities report that the four individuals fell ill after consuming water from a water cooler at the 78-year-old's residence. An investigation was conducted at the home, and laboratory tests on water samples revealed the presence of the substance “gamma-Butyrolactone” (GBL), which is a prodrug of GHB. Police investigations are ongoing to determine the cause and circumstances of the death and illness of the individuals involved.