British backpacker dies in Laos after ‘drinking methanol served as free shots’
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A British backpacker has reportedly lost their life due to suspected methanol poisoning, following claims of receiving complimentary drinks while in Laos.
Simone White, a lawyer from Orpington in Kent, is the fifth visitor to lose her life after the event that occurred in the Vang Vieng region.
The 28-year-old is thought to have passed away after she allegedly fell sick last week while visiting the popular backpacking destination with her friend Bethany Clarke, who is also from Orpington. Bethany mentioned that she had to go to the hospital following the incident as well.
Ms. White's passing follows the deaths of an Australian, an American, and two Danish individuals who also died after being admitted to the hospital with suspected methanol poisoning.
Numerous victims were said to have been guests at Nana Backpacker Hostel. Information started to surface last week when several individuals fell sick after consuming drinks served during a group event in the secluded town.
In a now-deleted post from November 16 in a Facebook group for backpackers in Laos, Ms. Clarke warned, “Important – stay away from all local alcoholic beverages. My friends and I were in Vang Vieng and accepted complimentary shots from one of the bars.”
"Just steer clear of them; it's really not worth it. Right now, six of us who drank from the same source are in the hospital due to methanol poisoning."
Methanol is occasionally found in mixed drinks at questionable bars, which can lead to serious poisoning or even death. The NHS cautions that consuming just 4ml of methanol can result in visual hallucinations and permanent blindness.
She reportedly mentioned that she received care at a private hospital, where she had "numerous infusions" and took several days to recuperate. It's unclear if she is still hospitalized.
On Tuesday, Duong Duc Toan, the hostel manager, informed the Associated Press that the staff received reports from fellow guests about two women who were feeling ill. This happened after the women did not check out as expected on November 13. To assist them, the hostel organized transportation to a hospital.
As reported by The Times, Mr. Toan mentioned that over 100 attendees were offered complimentary drinks as a sign of goodwill. He assured that the alcohol came from an authorized supplier and was free of any contamination.
The exact locations where the tainted beverages were served remain unclear, and now the police in Laos are conducting an investigation into the matter.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated: "We are offering support to British citizens and their families and are in touch with local officials after an event that occurred in Laos."
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that 19-year-old Bianca Jones had passed away after being transported to a hospital in nearby Thailand. He also mentioned in parliament that a friend of the young woman, named Holly Bowles, was "fighting for her life."
New Zealand's foreign ministry announced that there have been "multiple instances of suspected methanol poisoning following the consumption of alcoholic beverages," and noted that one New Zealander is among those affected.
Outside Bangkok Hospital, where Ms. Bowles is in serious condition, her father, Shane Bowles, expressed gratitude to everyone for their support and requested privacy as he spends time with his daughter in the hospital.
Ms. Bowles and Ms. Jones were teammates in Aussie rules football at Beaumaris Football Club. In a message on its website, the club expressed: “What happened while the two girls were visiting southeast Asia is heartbreaking and upsetting.”
It went on to say, "Both Holly and Bianca have grown to be valued and well-regarded members of the Beaumaris Sharks community."
