![The national flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on 02 November, 2023 [Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GettyImages-1763143360.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Forty-eight people died in Iran, while hundreds were hospitalised after drinking alcoholic beverages that contained toxic methanol in the past two weeks, Anadolu agency reported.
The Iranian Hamshahri newspaper said the incidents took place in the provinces of Mazandaran, Gilan, Hamadan and Zanjan, noting that some of the victims have completely lost their sight.
The paper said the Iranian authorities have arrested those involved in producing the poisoned beverage.
Alcohol consumption is prohibited in Iran, prompting some Iranians to produce it secretly using primitive methods.