AT LEAST 48 PEOPLE DIE FROM METHANOL POISONING

ABUJA, SEPTEMBER 17 /SRNA/ – At least 48 people have died from poisoning, while approximately 100 others are under medical treatment after consuming an alcoholic beverage containing methanol in Ondo State in southern Nigeria, Ondo State Health Commissioner Banji Ajaka said.

"More than 100 people became ill after consuming the drink in recent days in the Odigbo and Irele local government areas of Ondo State," Ajaka said.

Ondo police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh said that 15 people had been arrested in connection with the case, and that one of the producers of the methanol-containing drink is currently assisting police with the investigation, AP reported.

Methanol can occur as a by-product of fermentation in alcoholic beverages and, if it is not removed during distillation, can cause serious health problems such as blindness, nervous system failure, even death.