Mexico City - At least 31 people are dead after drinking
adulterated alcohol in Mexico, according to officials and media
reports.
Seventeen of the victims died in an indigenous community in the
highlands of the state of Puebla, the city council reported on
Tuesday, as it declared a health emergency.
The deaths occurred in Chiconcuautla, an impoverished town of 17 000
located about 200 kilometres north-east of Mexico City.
Authorities said the poisoning was caused by consumption of "refino,"
a traditional distillate allegedly produced in a nearby community.
They launched an investigation into the exact cause of death.
At least 14 people also died in Telixtac and Jonacatepec in Morelos
state, which borders on Puebla, the state's civil protection
coordinators said on Facebook.
They had been drinking adulterated alcohol on Sunday - Mother's Day -
and Monday, daily La Jornada reported.
The victims had symptoms including abdominal pain, breathing
difficulties and blindness.
They were believed to have bought the drinks secretly, as both
municipalities had banned alcohol during the Covid-19 pandemic.