Simone White, a 28-year-old lawyer from Orpington, Kent, has tragically died after reportedly consuming methanol-laced alcohol while on holiday in the backpacker hotspot of Vang Vieng, Laos.
Simone is the fifth tourist to have died in connection with the suspected poisoning, which has left at least a dozen others seriously ill. The incident has sent shockwaves through the backpacking community, with authorities in Laos now investigating.
Tragedy in Vang Vieng
The poisoning reportedly occurred on November 12 at a bar frequented by tourists in the town of Vang Vieng. Many victims, including guests at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, fell ill after being served free shots of Lao Tiger vodka.
Among those who died were Bianca Jones, a 19-year-old Australian from Melbourne, two Danish women in their 20s, and an American tourist. Several others, including Brit holidaymakers, remain hospitalised with symptoms of methanol poisoning, which can cause severe illness and organ failure.
Friends Warn Fellow Travellers
Bethany Clarke, a friend of Simone who was also affected by the poisoning, issued a stark warning on the Laos Backpacking Facebook group:
“Urgent — please avoid all local spirits. Our group stayed in Vang Vieng and drank free shots offered by one of the bars. Six of us who drank from the same place are in hospital currently with methanol poisoning.”
Bethany described experiencing severe symptoms, including nausea, fainting, and liver failure, before receiving emergency treatment at a private hospital.
Hostel and Bar Under Investigation
The manager of Nana Backpacker Hostel, where the drinks were served, denied any wrongdoing, claiming the alcohol was sourced from a certified distributor.
“We don’t do anything wrong, for sure. I really take care of all of the customers [who] stay with our hotel and our hostel,” the manager told the Associated Press.
Police in Vang Vieng and the capital, Vientiane, have since ordered bars and hostels to stop selling alcohol as investigations continue.
What is Methanol?
Methanol, a toxic alcohol used industrially in solvents and pesticides, is sometimes found in counterfeit or improperly produced spirits. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that even small amounts can lead to blindness, organ failure, or death.
Government Response
The British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed it is providing support to affected families and is in contact with local authorities. In a statement, the FCDO said:
“We are providing consular assistance to British nationals and their families and are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Laos.”
Backpacker Community Reeling
The tragedy has sparked fear among travellers, with calls for increased awareness and regulation of alcohol in popular tourist destinations.
Simone White, described by friends as a vibrant and ambitious young woman, is being remembered fondly by her loved ones, who are now grappling with the devastating loss.
This developing story continues to highlight the dangers of unregulated alcohol in certain regions, as authorities work to determine how such a tragedy could occur.
