9 people die in Andhra Pradesh after consuming hand sanitiser

According to reports, the deaths have taken place in Kurichedu town. On Wednesday a person died after drinking sanitiser while two others succumbed on Thursday and six more on Friday, media reports added.

As many as 20 people are believed to have consumed hand sanitisers in the last two days, said an HT report.

Prakasam district Superintendent of Police (SP) Siddharth Kaushal told HT that these people consumed hand sanitiser due to non-availability of alcohol.

Kurichedu town has been under lockdown due to rising coronavirus cases and consequently liquor shops, which do not fall under essential services, have remained closed.

Media reports said the habitual drinkers have been consuming alcohol based sanitiser apart from illegally distilled arrack.

Three of those who died were beggars while the remaining six were slum dwellers.

The remaining 11 are undergoing treatment in a government hospital, reports added.

The quantity of hand sanitiser consumed by each of them is not known yet, said reports, adding that the victims complained of severe stomach pain and burning sensation while some fell unconscious.

Police have seized all the sanitisers stocked in the local shops and sent for lab tests. It is also being ascertained if the victims consumed hand santisers directly or mixed with spurious liquor.