June 16 (EUROPA PRESS) –
At least 14 people have died and another 88 have had to be admitted for poisoning as a result of ingesting adulterated alcohol in various towns in the province of Elburz, in northern Iran.
According to the IRNA news agency, the cases have occurred over the past night in several cities in the province, including the capital, Karaj. The victims are between 20 and 50 years old. At this time, it is unknown if the cases are related.
Alcohol consumption is prohibited in Iran, with penalties ranging from fines to even more severe ones, such as public reprimands according to local laws. However, alcohol is consumed, offered on the black market or sometimes even produced at home.
In particular, homemade liquor often contains methanol if the distillation process is not carried out correctly. This substance is toxic and can cause blindness or even death if large amounts are consumed.
