Death toll from alcohol poisonings in Islamic Republic rises to 16

The death toll from a growing wave of alcohol poisonings has reached 16 in Iran.

The latest reported death occurred in the north-western city of Sardasht, West Azarbayjan Province, and the victim was among seven others exhibiting symptoms of poisoning after consuming alcoholic drinks carrying intoxicating elements, the IRNA news agency reported on June 22.

At least 11 people suffered similar poisonings, with two of them currently receiving Intensive Care Unit treatment in the southern city of Hajiabad, Hormozgan Province.

Iranian officials have blamed the poisonings on homemade mixtures containing methanol.

The head of the Hormozgan Judicial Department, Mojtaba Qahremani, said two people have now been arrested in Hajiabad after a raid on their place of residence, from which the illegal drinks had allegedly been produced and distributed.

Totally, 15 people are confirmed to have died and 180 others have been sent to hospital over the past week in the northern province of Alborz. Four people have been placed under arrest in connection with the lethal drinks in the province.