Seven people died after drinking hand sanitizer at a party in Tomtor, Russia, because they ran out of alcohol.

A group of nine people was attending a party in Tomtor village in the Tattinsky district, Yakutia.

However, before the party ended, their booze ran out. Instead of getting more beer from the store, they decided to drink hand sanitizer.

Following the mindless decision to drink the antiseptic liquid, which is solely for external use, seven of the partygoers died.

Reports claim two more persons were treated in intensive care, but their current condition is unclear.

The first three victims to die were a 41-year-old woman and two men, aged 59 and 78.

The following day, another three male victims—aged 28, 32, and 69—passed away, while the latest victim died on the third day.

In a statement, the federal public health watchdog said:

Nine cases of poisoning with sanitizer have been registered, including seven that were fatal.

And the regional state prosecutor added:

The poisoning took place as a result of drinking sanitizer.

The hand sanitizer contained 69 percent methanol.

This isn't the first time people have ingested hand sanitizers instead of alcohol.

In New Mexico State, US, three people died while another became blind from methanol poisoning after drinking hand sanitizer in May this year.

New Mexico Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel said in a statement at the time:

If you think you may have used or consumed hand sanitizer containing methanol, please seek medical care.

An antidote to methanol poisoning is available. But the earlier someone gets treatment for methanol poisoning, the better the chance of recovery.

In July, another 10 people also lost their lives after drinking hand sanitizer in the village of Kuriched, India.

At the time, liquor shops were closed in the region due to lockdown. Hence, 10 residents from the village mixed hand sanitizer with water and fizzy drinks as a substitute for booze.

While some alcoholics drink the antiseptic to get tipsy due to its alcohol content, health officials strictly warn against consumption.

Why Is It So Bad to Drink Hand Sanitizer?

According to Science Notes:

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers contain two types of alcohol. The most common type contains between 60% and 95% ethanol (ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol).

This type of hand sanitizer can get you buzzed or drunk, but it's the equivalent of 120-proof liquor. In contrast, vodka is 80-proof.

Experts add:

The other type of alcohol-based hand sanitizer contains isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol or rubbing alcohol).

This kind of alcohol is toxic and can cause brain damage, blindness, kidney damage, and liver damage.