Seven Dead In Russia After Drinking Hand Sanitiser Because They Had Run Out Of Alcohol In Party

As many as seven people died in Russia and two have slipped into a coma after they consumed hand sanitiser reportedly when they ran out of alcohol in a party.

Sanitiser had 69% methanol

The incident happened in the Tattinsky district of Yakutia, the largest region in Russia.

The investigating officers said that they discovered an unlabelled five-litre canister at the scene and its contents revealed that it contained 69 per cent methanol. It's a non-drinking alcohol that is deadly to humans in doses of 30 grams or more.

Moscow times

According to a report by The Moscow Times, the group of friends had consumed the hand sanitiser during a dinner party. They had purchased the sanitiser from a local store earlier. While three people died on the spot, the others were taken to hospital and were in intensive care. However, four people died later.

Yakutia banned sale

"Methyl alcohol can cause acute poisoning with death by inhalation, ingestion; irritates the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, eyes. When ingested, the lethal dose of methanol for humans is 30 grams, but severe poisoning, accompanied by blindness, can be caused by 5-10 grams of the substance," regulator Rospotrebnadzor said.

Healthline

A criminal case has been lodged for the "infliction of death by negligence". Meanwhile, Yakutia on Sunday banned the sale of the methanol-based hand sanitiser after the incident.

10 died in India

In Russia's poorer areas, intake of alcohol substitutes for its cheaper rates is common. In a similar incident in 2016, 78 people died in Siberia's Irkutsk region after they consumed a hawthorn-infused bath lotion.

Reuters

The consumption of hand sanitiser instead of alcohol has also claimed lives in India. At least 10 people have died after allegedly consuming alcohol-based hand sanitiser in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh in July.