IGBT
Lifer
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia June 9 ? Nineteen people have died and 17 hospitalized after drinking cologne containing methanol, news reports said Sunday.
Drinking alcohol is banned in Saudi Arabia and punishable by lashings, fines and prison terms. Some people drink cologne as an alcohol substitute.
Police said 19 people died after drinking the cologne, according to the newspaper Okaz. Methanol is a poisonous substance often used in antifreeze.
The paper did not provide the nationalities of those who drank the cologne, but last week it said four people a Saudi, two Nigerians and a Malian died after drinking it. The four are believed to be among the 19 fatalities.
Drinking alcohol is banned in Saudi Arabia and punishable by lashings, fines and prison terms. Some people drink cologne as an alcohol substitute.
Police said 19 people died after drinking the cologne, according to the newspaper Okaz. Methanol is a poisonous substance often used in antifreeze.
The paper did not provide the nationalities of those who drank the cologne, but last week it said four people a Saudi, two Nigerians and a Malian died after drinking it. The four are believed to be among the 19 fatalities.
