MOSCOW

Russian authorities on Friday reported the death of at least 19 people from bootleg alcohol since early September in part of the Leningrad region.

Preliminary findings suggest the fatalities in the Slantsy district stemmed from drinking liquor produced privately under unauthorized conditions and distributed informally, the regional administration said in a statement.

Lab tests confirmed methanol poisoning as the cause of death in eight cases. Medical investigation was handed over to law enforcement agencies for further proceedings, it said.

Slantsy hospital staffers are continuing efforts to save another person who fell critically ill after methanol poisoning, it said.

The regional prosecutor's office has initiated a criminal investigation of the incidents. Charges filed include negligent homicide, which carries up to four years in prison if convicted.