A British tourist, Simone White, 28, from Orpington, Kent, tragically passed away after suffering from suspected mass methanol poisoning in Laos. She fell ill after consuming “free shots” from a local bar in Vang Vieng, a popular backpacker resort. This incident followed the deaths of Bianca Jones, 19, an Australian from Melbourne, two Danish women in their 20s, and a 56-year-old US citizen, all believed to have ingested drinks contaminated with methanol, a toxic substance sometimes used as a cheap substitute for alcohol but can be deadly.
Methanol is a type of alcohol that is highly toxic to humans and can cause severe poisoning or death. It is sometimes added to alcoholic beverages, particularly in regions where regulations are not strictly enforced, as a cost-saving measure. To avoid methanol poisoning, it is crucial to only consume drinks from reputable establishments and avoid consuming homemade or unregulated alcoholic beverages.
Simone White, an associate lawyer specializing in intellectual property and technology, worked at a London law firm, Squire Patton Boggs. She was involved in general commercial matters and intellectual property law. Following the incident, Bethany Clarke, a friend of White and a healthcare worker, shared a warning on a Laos Backpacking Facebook group, urging travelers to avoid local spirits after six people fell ill from drinking at the same bar.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Bianca Jones’ death due to methanol poisoning, with her friend Holly Bowles still hospitalized in Thailand. The Australian officials expressed their condolences, highlighting the tragic nature of the incident and sending thoughts to those affected by the poisoning.
In a statement, Bianca Jones’ family expressed gratitude for the support they received from across Australia and remembered her for her incredible spirit. The US State Department confirmed the death of an American in Vang Vieng, while Denmark’s Foreign Ministry reported the deaths of two Danish citizens in the same incident. While the authorities did not directly confirm a link to methanol poisoning, the deaths shared similar circumstances.
The tragic deaths in Laos serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of consuming unregulated alcoholic beverages that may be tainted with harmful substances like methanol. Travelers are advised to exercise caution when drinking in unfamiliar environments and to prioritize their safety by choosing reputable establishments with a track record of safe practices. The loss of lives in this incident underscores the importance of raising awareness about the risks associated with consuming adulterated alcohol and the need for vigilance when traveling to new destinations.
