How illegally brewed liquor resulted in 34 deaths [Video]

More than 30 people are dead after ingesting “illicit” alcohol that was reportedly mixed with methanol. Here’s what you need to know about the incident.

“The entire Karunapuram locality in Kallakurichi on Thursday echoed with the wails of the family members of the victims of illicit arrack that claimed the lives of at least 34 people,” said the Press Trust of India reported Thursday. “About 100 others are undergoing treatment.”

Chief Minister M K Stalin said the deaths were due to consumption of “methanol mixed arrack” and said authorities were providing special care to those hospitalized. Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami demanded for the minister to resign, said the Press Trust of India.

Arrack is an Asian alcoholic beverage similar to rum. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “methanol is a toxic alcohol that is used industrially as a solvent, pesticide, and alternative fuel source,” and “most methanol poisonings occur as a result of drinking beverages contaminated with methanol …