‘Crocodile Bile’ Beer Kills 69

Mozambique authorities say nearly 70 people have died after consuming what they suspect was contaminated beer. Provincial health director Paula Bernardo reported Sunday that 56 people had died in the northeastern Tete province after drinking beer at a funeral Saturday, but the number is now reportedly at 69 fatalities. Health authorities do not know the precise source of contamination or if the beer is definitely responsible for the death, but the batch is suspected of being poisoned with crocodile bile. In addition to the fatalities, officials say 196 people have been hospitalized. Blood and beer samples are being tested.