A wave of methanol poisoning has swept through Istanbul, Turkey, leaving 33 dead and 43 hospitalized. Authorities have detained four suspects on charges of 'intentional homicide' for distributing the lethal beverages. This tragedy underscores the dangers of consuming counterfeit alcohol and follows a string of similar incidents in the city.
Tragedy hit a popular Turkish holiday destination as dozens lost their lives to poisoned alcohol in Istanbul . Authorities confirmed the death toll had risen to 33 individuals who consumed bootleg drinks containing methanol. This figure represents a significant increase from Monday's report of 11 deaths. An additional 43 people were hospitalized, with 32 in intensive care, following a sharp rise in poisonings over a 48-hour period.
Istanbul police have detained four suspects on charges of 'intentional homicide' for distributing the lethal beverages. Methanol, commonly found in solvents, fuel, pesticides, and antifreeze, is frequently used to adulterate alcohol due to its lower cost compared to ethanol. Consuming methanol can lead to blindness, liver damage, and even death. Since the beginning of the year, Istanbul officials have seized 29 tonnes of tainted alcohol and revoked the licenses of 64 businesses. Authorities attribute the surge in methanol poisoning incidents to recent tax hikes on alcohol, which have spurred an increase in illegal brewing operations. Data from Istanbul reveals that in 2024 alone, 48 people succumbed to adulterated alcohol. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued warnings to British tourists about the dangers of 'counterfeit' alcohol available in Istanbul. The travel guidance states: 'People have died or suffered serious illness in Istanbul, Turkey after drinking illegally produced local spirits and counterfeit bottles of branded alcohol. To protect yourself: buy alcoholic beverages only from licensed liquor stores, buy drinks only at licensed bars and hotels, avoid home-made alcoholic drinks, check bottle seals are intact, and check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling. If you have any concerns, ask for advice from your tour operator or the Turkish authorities. Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with falls ill after drinking alcohol.' In a tragic incident last November, Simone White from Orpington, Kent, perished in Laos along with five other tourists after reportedly consuming 'free shots' at a backpacker's hostel. Devastated by their loss, the 28-year-old’s parents expressed their heartbreak, saying they were 'devastated by the loss of our beautiful, kind and loving daughter'. It is suspected that the shots the tourists consumed were tainted with methanol
Methanol Poisoning Istanbul Turkey Alcohol Counterfeit Alcohol Deaths Investigation
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