Authorities in Russia have reported a tragic series of deaths resulting from the consumption of homemade alcohol, sold for approximately $1 per bottle, which was tainted with methanol.
On September 26, a statement from the country’s interior ministry confirmed that at least seven individuals had died in the Leningrad region. By Saturday, the number of casualties had climbed to 25, as reported by the Moscow Times. As of September 29, the death toll has unfortunately reached 33.
The Slantsevsky City Court of the Leningrad region disclosed that Olga Stepanova, a 60-year-old nursery school teacher, and 78-year-old Nikolai Boytsov were initially detained in relation to these fatalities.
Stepanova is accused of purchasing alcohol without a license and then transporting and selling it to Boytsov, actions that led to the tragic deaths.
During a search of Boytsov’s residence, officials reportedly discovered empty glass bottles and large plastic containers with a capacity of up to 10 liters, which had the distinct smell of an alcohol-containing liquid.
The bodies of the deceased had elevated methanol levels upon examination.
In its initial announcement on September 26, the regional government stated that at least eight cases were ‘laboratory-confirmed as methanol poisoning’. Investigators found additional cases in six more bodies the following day.
As investigations proceeded, law enforcement reportedly arrested 11 individuals suspected of being involved in the home production and distribution of the vodka, which, according to People, was about 90 proof or roughly 45% ABV.
Maj-Gen Irina Volk, spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, confirmed that a significant operation was underway to apprehend those responsible. Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, remarked: “This is an extraordinary accident, a tragedy that has resulted in a large number of casualties. Law enforcement agencies are working.
“This will simply be a reason to more systematically implement our work and pay more attention to this.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains methanol as a colorless, watery liquid that, if ingested, can cause severe health issues such as vomiting, severe abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, coma, seizures, hallucinations, and kidney failure.
Mount Sinai hospital notes that as little as two tablespoons of methanol can be lethal for a child, while two to eight ounces can be deadly for an adult.
Anyone suspecting they may have consumed methanol should seek medical attention immediately.
Incidents involving multiple deaths from counterfeit alcohol are not uncommon in Russia, with a previous case in 2023 where 50 individuals died after consuming a fake cider drink.