Police investigate North Macedonia water supply after more than 1,000 treated for poisoning symptoms

More than 1,000 people have been treated for poisoning symptoms in North Macedonia after contaminated river water was allegedly pumped directly into a town's drinking supply, a hospital said Friday.

The hospital in Gostivar, about 50 kilometres southwest of Skopje, did not confirm a direct cause. It said it had treated many people with vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain over the past four days.

Police were investigating the cause. The local force said it believed the local water company may have pumped wastewater directly into the town's water supply, most likely to increase drinking-water supply. The area regularly has shortages during the summer.

Authorities have temporarily banned drinking from the town's supply. The hospital has increased staffing to handle the influx of sick people.

The interior ministry said it was working to fully clarify the case. It said polluting drinking water could be considered a crime.

The public health institute has started testing the water supply, and results are expected within 48 hours.