India, Sept. 17 -- At least 48 people have died and around 100 others are undergoing treatment in southern Nigeria after consuming a drink suspected to contain methanol, officials said Thursday.

A total of 182 people are believed to have been affected in Ondo state, with cases reported from the Odigbo and Irele local government areas, state Health Commissioner Banji Ajaka said.

"This thing happened rapidly. Once they consume, depending on the quantity, the kidneys will pack up, the eyes will go, the brain will be damaged," Ajaka told The Associated Press.

Some of those who fell ill after consuming the liquid have since been discharged from hospitals, he said.

Ondo state police spokesman Abayomi Jimoh said 15 people had been arrested i...