The number of deaths caused by a batch of toxic moonshine circulating in southwest Estonia rose to 53 today and could still creep higher, police said.
A police spokesman said there were still at least 81 people in hospitals being treated for symptoms of poisoning from the methyl alcohol moonshine that had been sold recently in the region around the town of Parnu.
Most of deaths of the last two days have been in hospitals and there will probably be some more as a dozen patients are in critical condition, said police spokesman Indrek Raudjalg.
Patients suffering symptoms of poisoning began appearing on Sunday. They were initially rushed to hospitals in southwestern Parnu town, 130 km (80 miles) from Tallinn. Those in a serious condition were flown to Tallinn or the city of Tartu.
Poisoning cases began appearing in neighbouring Laane county on Wednesday. Raudjalg cited hospital officials and police in Parnu today as saying fewer and fewer people there were reporting symptoms.
So far 10 people have been arrested in connection with the deaths and Justice Minister Mart Rask has said they are likely to be charged with involuntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum three-year sentence.
Methyl alcohol, or methanol, is used for industrial purposes and is highly poisonous if drunk, causing blindness and death.