Four children orphaned in bootleg alcohol scandal which killed 14 and poisoned 44

Gennadiy Chupin, regional vice prime minister, said: 'The victims of poisoning are people aged from 23 to 62. Seven of them died at hospital, seven more died in their homes. '21 people are still at hospitals, three of them are in a very serious condition, ten people are in heavy condition, eight people are in satisfactory condition. We are considering sending those who were poisoned the worst to Chita hospital by plane.'

Many of the victims were from Krasny Velikan (Red Giant). Eleven were hospitalised in the nearby town of Krasnokamensk.  

'They are now receiving haemodialysis', said regional health official Irina Beloshitskaya.

Regional governor Konstantin Ilkovsky flew to the village along with doctors, investigators and representatives of the emergencies ministry. He described the apparent methanol poisoning as a 'true tragedy' for the region. 

Police were investigating whether the counterfeit liquor was imported from China, reports said. A 49 year old man was detained from Krasny Velikan, and a 52 year old from Shelkovaya Gora (Silk Mountain) village. 

The deadly liquor was found in red plastic bottles labelled 'Olen' ('Deer'). One of the men had 30 litres of that same alcohol, not bottled yet, at his house, local police reported. A criminal investigation was opened on selling bad quality product that led to death of people. If found guilty, they face up to ten years in jail.