Nearly 20 labourers consumed liquor at a bar in Krishnalanka area of the city.
At least five persons today died and 15 others took ill after consuming liquor at a bar in the city, police said.
Nearly 20 labourers consumed liquor at a bar in Krishnalanka area of the city this morning. After coming out of the wine shop, they started vomiting and fell down. The locals informed the police who immediately rushed the victims to a government hospital.
"Some are serious. The team of doctors is doing their best to contain the damage," Vijayawada Police Commissioner Gautam Sawang told reporters.
The liquor samples have been collected and the cause of the incident is under investigation, he said.
Describing the tragedy as unfortunate and painful, he said the police would go deep into the matter to find out the truth.
State Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who is in Srikakulam on a tour, asked Vijayawada District Collector Babu A to conduct an inquiry into the incident and submit a report.
Chief Minister Naidu also instructed the officials to provide proper treatment for the victims.
The liquor bar has been sealed by the police.