Unraveling the Tragedy in Tamil Nadu: The Fatal Consequences of Mixing Alcohol with Industrial Methanol

In Tamil Nadu state, located in southern India, recently 53 people lost their lives after consuming alcohol that had been mixed with industrial alcohol methanol, a poisonous substance. The incident took place on June 18 and resulted in over 100 individuals being hospitalized. Despite reports from Indian media outlets claiming that 56 deaths had occurred, no official statement has been made by the country’s government regarding this figure.

On June 22, MS Prasanth, a senior official in Kallakurichi district of Tamil Nadu state, confirmed that a total of 53 people had died as a result of the poisoning, with 7 individuals involved in the case being detained by authorities. It is common practice for distilleries in India to mix methanol with alcohol in order to boost its potency. Methanol, a toxic byproduct of wood distillation, can cause blindness, liver damage, and even death when ingested.

Every year, India sees numerous fatalities due to the consumption of cheap alcohol obtained from illicit distilleries. This tragic incident in Tamil Nadu state is considered one of the most severe cases of poisoning in the country in recent times. Many impoverished workers in Kallakurichi district regularly purchase inexpensive alcohol for as little as 60 rupees ($0.70) per bag to consume before heading to work.

The prevalence of illegal alcohol production and distribution in India remains a pressing issue that continues to claim lives across the nation. This is not the first time India has experienced such a calamity. In Bihar state last year, 27 individuals lost their lives due to alcohol poisoning, while in Gujarat state succumbed to a similar incident earlier this year (2022).