In a tragic turn of events, a fifth person has lost their life after consuming methanol-laced alcohol in Laos. Simone White, a 28-year-old British lawyer from Orpington, Kent, became the latest victim in a series of deaths linked to tainted drinks in the popular backpacker town of Vang Vieng.
The heartbreaking incident follows the deaths of four other tourists, including 19-year-old Australian Bianca Jones, two Danish women in their twenties, and a 56-year-old American man.
The situation has left at least seven others, including more British holidaymakers fighting for their lives in hospital. It’s been confirmed that Bianca Jones and her friend Holly Bowles were both staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, where free drinks were allegedly offered to guests.
Yahoo News reported that one of White’s friends Bethany Clarke, who is also a healthcare worker took to a Laos Backpacking Facebook group to warn others.
“Just avoid them as so not worth it. Six of us who drank from the same place are in hospital currently with methanol poisoning,” she said.
For those unfamiliar, methanol is a toxic form of alcohol sometimes used to cut corners in bootleg liquor production. It’s seriously nasty stuff that can cause blindness, organ failure, and even death if consumed.
The incident has hit close to home for many Aussies, with Melbourne teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles caught up in the tragedy. While Bianca sadly lost her life, Holly remains in critical condition on life support in a Thai hospital.
Hostel staff at Nana Backpackers said the girls were found unwell in their room. 9News has reported that they had been out enjoying cocktails at Jaidee Bar on November 11 before falling ill.
Alarm bells went off when hostel staff, noticed the girls had missed their planned check-out time on November 13. Jones and Bowles were then transported to separate hospitals in Thailand and placed on life support.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasised the importance of being informed about the potential dangers of methanol-laced alcohol stating, “At this time I would say to parents, to young people, please have a conversation about risks, please inform yourselves, please let’s work together to ensure this tragedy doesn’t happen again.”
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