In Russia 19 people died from surrogate alcohol

The situation with mass poisoning in the Leningrad region is taking on increasingly tragic proportions. The number of deaths resulting from the consumption of surrogate alcohol has risen to 19 people. Methyl alcohol poisoning has been officially confirmed in eight victims.

"19 deaths have been recorded after alcohol consumption. Of these, eight cases have been laboratory-confirmed, where methanol was the cause of death. According to preliminary data, the cause was unauthorized private production and 'hand-to-hand' alcohol sales," - reported the Leningrad region government's Telegram channel.

One more victim is in critical condition in the hospital, where medical staff are fighting for his life. Doctors assess his condition as extremely severe.

Earlier, there were reports of several fatal cases of surrogate alcohol poisoning in the region, but exact figures were not provided. According to authorities, the sellers of the dangerous surrogate have already been detained by law enforcement agencies. Currently, a criminal case has been initiated on the fact of causing death by negligence to two or more persons.