Sardines blamed for 20 Madagascar deaths

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar, April 6 (UPI) -- Toxic sardines are being blamed by health officials for killing at least 20 people and sickening scores more in Madagascar.

Africa Review reported Wednesday that in addition to the fatalities, at least 126 people had fallen seriously ill in the southwest town of Toliara. People also were reported to have been stricken in Sakaraha, about 81 miles away.

Health officials were having samples of the sardines tested at the Institut Pasteur de Madagascar in the capital Antananarivo, Africa Review said.

Madagascar''s minister for Fishing and Aquatic Resources sent the government's condolences to the victims' families. The government said it would pay the medical bills of those hospitalized.