A British lawyer has tragically died following a suspected mass methanol poisoning at a bar in Laos.
Simone White, 28, from Kent, is the fifth tourist to succumb after falling ill last week, with at least seven others, including more British holidaymakers, hospitalised.
The incident unfolded in the backpacking hotspot of Vang Vieng, where many of the victims were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel. Hostel staff reportedly raised the alarm when several guests failed to check out on 13 November.
Authorities believe the victims were served drinks tainted with methanol, a toxic substance sometimes used by unscrupulous establishments as a cheap substitute for ethanol. Methanol poisoning can cause severe health complications or even death.
Bethany Clarke, a friend of Ms White, also fell ill after consuming the drinks.
She issued a warning on a Laos backpacking Facebook group, writing: “Urgent — please avoid all local spirits. Our group stayed in Vang Vieng and drank free shots offered by one of the bars. Just avoid them as [it’s] so not worth it. Six of us who drank from the same place are in hospital currently with methanol poisoning.”
The tragedy extends beyond the UK, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirming the death of 19-year-old Bianca Jones, who was evacuated to a Thai hospital for treatment but passed away due to brain swelling caused by high methanol levels.
Another Australian tourist, Holly Bowles, 19, remains hospitalised in Thailand.
Australian officials have stated that “several foreign nationals” have been affected by the poisoning.
The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in parts of Southeast Asia, where cheap and unsafe alcohol practices have led to similar tragedies in the past.
