Tragic Alcohol Poisoning Outbreak Claims Lives in Iran
In a devastating incident, at least 26 individuals have died in Iran after consuming alcoholic beverages contaminated with toxic methanol, according to state media reports. The official IRNA news agency revealed that the fatalities occurred across various cities and towns in the northern provinces of Mazandaran and Gilan, as well as in the western province of Hamadan.
The outbreak of alcohol poisoning has also resulted in hundreds of hospitalizations, underscoring the severity of the situation. However, the reports did not clarify the origin of the tainted alcoholic drinks.
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which ushered in a regime of strict Islamic laws, the consumption of alcohol has been largely prohibited in Iran. Despite this ban, many Iranians resort to purchasing alcoholic beverages from illicit sources or distilling their own at home. Such homemade brews can often be contaminated with methanol, a substance that poses serious health risks.
The rise in alcohol poisoning cases is alarming; in 2020 alone, toxic alcohol claimed over 700 lives in Iran. Both imported and domestically produced alcoholic beverages are accessible through the country’s black markets, where demand persists despite legal restrictions. Additionally, Iran is home to numerous factories that produce alcohol for pharmaceutical and cleaning purposes rather than for consumption.
This tragic event highlights ongoing public health challenges related to alcohol consumption and safety in Iran, raising urgent questions about regulatory oversight and public awareness regarding the dangers of illicit alcohol.