Briton Simone White dies after suspected mass poisoning in Laos
Picture credit: Squire Patton Boggs
Simone White was on vacation in Southeast Asia.
A British attorney has passed away, likely due to suspected methanol poisoning, which is believed to have claimed the lives of four other individuals in Laos, located in Southeast Asia.
Simone White, a 28-year-old from Orpington in southeast London, was one of several individuals hospitalized after an event that occurred in the popular tourist destination of Vang Vieng.
In a statement, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) announced that it was providing assistance to her family.
Previously, it was reported that 19-year-old Bianca Jones from Australia had passed away, with the US State Department confirming the death of an American citizen. Additionally, Danish authorities stated that two women from Denmark, aged 19 and 20, also lost their lives last week.
Reports in the news and accounts shared by other travelers on social media indicate that they might have ingested beverages mixed with methanol, a harmful substance commonly present in illegally produced alcohol.
Several of the victims had been residing at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, and staff were informed that guests had become unwell after they didn't check out on November 13th.
Ms. White was an attorney at the international law firm Squire Patton Boggs. Her practice focused on various commercial issues and addressed both disputed and non-disputed matters related to intellectual property law, as stated on the firm's website.
Vang Vieng is a quaint town located along the river in central Laos, roughly two hours north of the capital city, Vientiane.
This area is a popular spot for backpackers exploring Southeast Asia. It features the Banana Pancake Trail, a well-known backpacking path that stretches through Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
According to reports from Australian media, Ms. Jones' friend Holly Bowles, who is also from Australia, is currently in the hospital on life support.
On Thursday, New Zealand's foreign ministry informed local news outlets that a citizen of theirs was reported to be suffering from what is believed to be methanol poisoning.
The foreign ministry of the Netherlands has reported that a Dutch tourist was hospitalized but is currently in stable condition. It is not known how many others may have become ill.
The US State Department has stated that it is keeping a close eye on the situation concerning the American victim, and it is the responsibility of local officials to establish what led to the person's death.
Authorities from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK have all issued warnings to their citizens about the risks of methanol poisoning when drinking alcohol in Laos.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Vang Vieng is a well-known destination for backpackers in Laos.
Methanol is a clear liquid that has a flavor reminiscent of alcohol.
Consuming even a modest quantity can be deadly.
It is quickly taken in by the digestive system and enters the bloodstream shortly after. As the body works to eliminate methanol by processing it in the liver, an enzyme transforms it into formaldehyde and formic acid.
Professor Alastair Hay, a retired expert in environmental toxicology at the University of Leeds, states that this has significant implications, impacting respiratory function and damaging the nervous system.
Both partial and total vision loss due to methanol poisoning is frequent, and if not treated, it may result in a coma or even death.
Poisoning can be addressed by administering alcohol (ethanol) to block the breakdown of methanol in the body. However, it is crucial that this treatment occurs promptly.
Further contributions from PA Media.
