Eight people have been arrested in Laos following the deaths of six tourists from suspected methanol poisoning, including a British lawyer, local media has reported.
The head of security forces of Vang Vieng district Phut Buathong Boriban told reporters in Laos eight staff members, including management, from Nana Backpackers Hostel, where all of the six victims were staying, have been detained amid investigations.
The eight men from Vangvieng are aged between 23 and 47 years old, according to Laos media outlet Laophattana News.
Simone White, 28, from Orpington, on the edge of southeast London, was one of a number of people taken to hospital after the incident in the popular backpacking town of Vang Vieng last week.
It was previously reported that police in Laos had detained the manager and owner of a hostel in connection with the death of Ms White and five others, who are also believed to have been poisoned.
In a statement released to the media, the Laos government said it was “profoundly saddened” over the deaths of foreign tourists and offered its condolences to their families.
It added that is has been investigating “to find causes of the incident” and to “bring the perpetrators to justice”.
On Friday, Ms White’s parents said they were “devastated by the loss of our beautiful, kind and loving daughter”.
In a statement, Ms White’s parents added: “Simone was one of a kind and had the most wonderful energy and spark for life.
“She was a soul who gave so much to so many and was loved by her family, friends and colleagues.
“Simone has been taken from us too soon, she will be sorely missed by her brother, grandmother and entire family.
“Our hearts go out to all other families who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.”
Five others are currently known to have died, including two Australian teenagers, an American and two Danish tourists.
Those poisoned in the incident are believed to have been served drinks tainted with methanol, which is sometimes used by disreputable bars as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, but can cause severe poisoning or death.
