24 Die After Drinking Poisonous Moonshine
Estonian police made four arrests after 24 people died and 37 became seriously ill from drinking moonshine made from poisonous methyl alcohol, officials said.
Patients with symptoms of methyl alcohol poisoning began streaming into hospitals in the town of Parnu, 80 miles southwest of Tallinn, the capital, late Sunday.
Methyl alcohol, or methanol, is used for industrial purposes and is highly poisonous if consumed, causing blindness and death.
Most of those in serious condition were flown by helicopter to hospitals in Tallinn and Tartu. Meanwhile, police discovered a suspected bottling operation, seized some alcohol and arrested four people.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
