Methanol Poisoning Horror: British Lawyer Among Five Dead in Laos Backpacker Tragedy
Simone White, a 28-year-old lawyer from Orpington, Kent, has died after drinking methanol-laced alcohol in the backpacker paradise of Vang Vieng, Laos. She is the fifth tourist to perish in the shocking poisoning outbreak, which has left more than a dozen others critically ill.
Deadly Shots at Vang Vieng Bar
The poisonings happened on November 12 at a popular tourist bar in Vang Vieng. Victims, including guests staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, reportedly fell ill after being served free shots of Lao Tiger vodka.
- Among the dead: Bianca Jones, 19, from Melbourne, Australia
- Two Danish women in their 20s
- An American tourist
- British holidaymakers remain hospitalised with severe symptoms
Friends Issue Emergency Warning
Bethany Clarke, a friend of Simone and also a victim, took to the Laos Backpacking Facebook group with a grave warning:
“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 intense symptoms including nausea, fainting, and liver failure before emergency treatment saved her.
Hostel Denies Responsibility as Police Crack Down
The Nana Backpacker Hostel manager denied any wrongdoing, insisting the alcohol was from a certified supplier. “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,” they told the Associated Press.
Authorities in Vang Vieng and Laos’ capital, Vientiane, have now ordered an immediate ban on alcohol sales at bars and hostels as investigations ramp up.
What Is Methanol and Why Is It Deadly?
Methanol is a toxic industrial chemical used in solvents and pesticides. It sometimes contaminates counterfeit or poorly made spirits. The US Centers for Disease Control warns methanol can cause blindness, organ failure, or death even in tiny amounts.
UK Government Responds
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed it is closely supporting families affected and working with local officials. A spokesperson 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 in Shock
The backpacking world reels from the tragedy, calling for stricter safety around alcohol in hotspot destinations. Friends remember Simone as a bright, ambitious soul whose life was cut tragically short.
This grim incident shines a spotlight on the deadly dangers of unregulated booze abroad. As police investigate, holidaymakers are urged to stay clear of local spirits in Laos and similar tourist hubs.
