Investigations Reveal Consumption of Non-Food-Grade Alcohol in West Java Incident
In a tragic event in Cianjur, West Java, nine people have died due to alcohol poisoning after participating in a local drinking event. The incident, which took place last Thursday, has raised alarm among authorities, with the most recent fatality reported in the early hours of Monday, February 10.
According to Septian Pratama, Head of Cianjur Police Narcotics Unit, a total of 12 people were affected, with three individuals still receiving medical treatment, and two others discharged. The victims, aged between 29 and 55 years, were villagers from Pademangan Village, who consumed ethanol purchased online, which is not intended for human consumption.
The participants mixed the ethanol with soda and bottled drinks, leading to severe alcohol poisoning symptoms the following day. These included nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle control loss, and chest pain. Three victims were found dead at home by fellow villagers, while others succumbed to the poisoning at the hospital.
Authorities discovered a five-litre container of ethanol, which was believed to have been used during the event. Attempts by villagers to burn the leftover alcohol caused an explosion. Police confirmed that the alcohol consumed was “non-food-grade,” typically used for external purposes like disinfectants.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities looking into whether anyone else was involved in organising the event. This incident follows another tragedy in Central Bogor, where four individuals died at a separate drinking gathering on Friday. The victims in Bogor are believed to have consumed alcoholic mixed beverages, although the type of alcohol remains unclear. Police are questioning those present at the event and the alcohol vendor.
