A tragic incident happened in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi district, at least 34 people have died and many others remain in critical condition after consuming illicit liquor. The toxic bootleg alcohol has led to the hospitalization of nearly 109 individuals, with victims receiving treatment at Kallakurichi Government Medical College, JIPMER Puducherry, and Salem Government Hospital. The patients are primarily suffering from severe diarrhea, and officials fear the death toll may rise.
The use of methanol, a highly toxic alcohol often added to illicit brews to increase their potency, is a common cause of such fatalities. Methanol, sometimes used as antifreeze, can lead to dire health consequences when ingested. According to The News Minute, the tainted liquor in Kallakurichi was distributed in packets by a local vendor.
A family member of one victim explained to TNM that the sale of illicit liquor is a persistent issue in the area, with local police allegedly turning a blind eye. The family member revealed that police temporarily halt sales following complaints but resume shortly after. Those who do report the illegal activities often face threats, as peddlers are tipped off by corrupt officers. This cycle of fear and corruption prevents effective action against the bootleggers.
The consumption of toxic alcohol such as methanol and ethylene glycol leads to severe health issues. These substances are metabolized in the liver into compounds that can significantly depress the central nervous system, resulting in dizziness, confusion, impaired coordination, seizures, coma, and potentially death if not treated promptly.
One critical consequence is metabolic acidosis, where the body’s acid-base balance is disrupted. Methanol breaks down into formic acid, while ethylene glycol turns into oxalic acid, both of which lower blood pH. This can cause rapid breathing, confusion, and eventually organ failure.
Methanol toxicity also severely affects the optic nerve, leading to visual disturbances and potential blindness due to the formation of toxic metabolites like formic acid. Initial symptoms might include blurred vision, progressing to irreversible vision loss if untreated.
Cardiovascular issues are another serious effect, with toxic alcohol causing low blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias due to CNS depression and the toxic metabolites’ impact on heart muscles. Severe cases can lead to cardiovascular collapse, shock, and death.
Additionally, ethylene glycol can cause acute kidney injury by precipitating calcium oxalate crystals in the renal tubules, impairing kidney function and reducing urine output. This may necessitate dialysis, and without treatment, could result in irreversible kidney damage and failure.
The tragic events in Kallakurichi highlight the lethal risks of consuming bootleg alcohol and underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement and accountability to prevent such incidents in the future.