Deaths from consuming counterfeit alcohol rise to 59 in Türkiye's capital: media

ANKARA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The number of deaths from consuming counterfeit alcohol in Türkiye's capital Ankara has risen to 59, the local NTV broadcaster reported on Tuesday.

Additionally, the number of patients in intensive care has reportedly reached 35.

An earlier NTV report on Feb. 7 said that 33 people had died, and 20 others remained in intensive care due to fake alcohol consumption.

The death toll climbed to 54, the semi-official Anadolu Agency reported Monday. None of the reports mentioned when these deaths exactly took place.

As part of an ongoing investigation by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, 28 suspects have been arrested for the production and sale of counterfeit alcohol, while 25 others have been released under judicial control, the NTV said in Tuesday's report.

The Ankara provincial governor's office has previously issued a public warning against the use of counterfeit alcohol.

Recently, similar incidents have been reported in various regions of Türkiye, prompting authorities to intensify operations against illegal alcohol production.

Most deaths are caused by methanol poisoning, which occurs when toxic methanol is used in the production of illicit alcohol products. The government has urged the public to avoid unlicensed beverages. ■