Holidaymakers are being urged to avoid all local alcoholic drinks after 14 people were rushed to hospital with suspected methanol poisoning
Two British holidaymakers were among a group of tourists rushed to the hospital in southeast Asia after reportedly being served alcoholic drinks laced with a toxic substance. Two Danish tourists have tragically died from the suspected poisoning incident.
Simone White, a lawyer from Orpington, Kent, became seriously ill after consuming what is thought to be methanol-spiked beverages while on vacation in Laos. This dangerous substance, which is sometimes illegally used to dilute alcohol, can cause severe health effects, with the NHS warning even as little as 4ml could lead to visual hallucinations and blindness.
Simone’s travel companion, Bethany Clarke, also from Orpington, found herself in the hospital beside Simone after the harrowing ordeal. Bethany has issued a stark warning to travellers to “please avoid all local spirits,” following the traumatic experience.
Recounting the night that led to their hospitalisation, she revealed: “Our group stayed in Vang Vieng and we drank free shots offered by one of the bars. Just avoid them as so not worth it. Six of us who drank from the same place are in hospital currently with methanol poisoning.”
While it remains unclear where exactly the tourists were served these potentially methanol-adulterated drinks, many victims are believed to have been guests at Nana Backpacker Hostel in the bustling town of Vang Vieng. The owner of the hostel, however, has refuted claims that poisonous beverages were distributed at his establishment.
Over 100 holidaymakers were reportedly treated to complimentary shots of “Laos Tiger” vodka at a hostel, but despite claims of drink tampering, the owner Duong Duc Toan has refuted such allegations. He told the Sun: “Right now the police [are telling] every hostel and hotel and bar to stop selling drinks in Vang Vieng.”
“The police in Vang Vieng and [the capital] Vientiane already came to the hostel to check, the shop [where] we buy the vodka, check the shop [where] we buy the whisky.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Bethany Clarke has taken her story to Facebook backpacking groups, cautioning others about the dangers of cheap local spirits after suffering severe methanol poisoning symptoms like extreme fatigue, fainting, nausea, and liver issues.
She recounted: “I got to the private hospital in time but underwent many infusions and tablets and days of recovery.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has stepped in, stating: “We are providing consular assistance to British nationals and their families and are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Laos.”
In related news, two Australians, Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, who also fell victim to methanol poisoning, are currently receiving treatment in a Thai hospital after staying at the same hostel as the affected Brits.
As the teens battle for their lives in hospital, the Jones family have rushed to their bedside. In an emotional statement, they shared with reporters: “They were filled with joy and had such incredible adventures ahead of them, travelling through Asia. We are here by Bianca’s bedside praying for her.”
