Tragically, nine people have died and 27 others hospitalized in Jordan this week due to methanol poisoning. The victims consumed alcoholic beverages contaminated with the highly toxic substance.
The affected individuals are currently undergoing intensive medical treatment, including dialysis to remove the methanol from their systems. Most patients remain in critical condition, with some requiring ventilator support in intensive care units.
Methanol, a substance not meant for human consumption, is commonly used as a solvent in paints and as a fuel additive. Its ingestion can have devastating and often fatal consequences.
Cases first emerged over the weekend at Zarqa Government Hospital. Health officials are now bolstering emergency and ambulance departments to manage any new influx of patients, demonstrating the ongoing concern.
On Monday, Jordan's Public Security Directorate (PSD) swiftly arrested several individuals suspected of producing these illicit alcoholic beverages. The suspects allegedly purchased industrial methanol for their illegal manufacturing.
Authorities raided a factory involved in the production and a warehouse supplying the toxic substance to the market. Large quantities of the contaminated alcohol were also seized from retail stores, halting further public endangerment.
Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2606542/middle-east